A comforting and flavorful soup featuring spiced beans and fresh vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Ensure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when adding vegetables for better sautéing.
Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, celery, and tomatoes to the saucepan and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir frequently to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the pan.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Add the black beans, vegetable broth, oregano, cumin, dried cilantro, thyme, allspice, nutmeg, and ground cloves to the saucepan. Stir well.
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed before simmering.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Cover the saucepan partially to retain moisture while allowing the soup to reduce slightly.
Optional: Blend half of the soup in a blender until smooth, then return it to the saucepan and stir to combine.
Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture while keeping some chunks for variety.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Serve with a side of crusty bread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.