Cookin' Canuck - Hearty Lentil & Black Bean Soup with Smoked Paprika Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is black bean soup healthy? ›

Black beans are naturally low in sodium and contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium, all of which have been found to decrease blood pressure naturally. Be sure to purchase low sodium canned options and still drain and rinse to further reduce sodium content.

"Black beans cook so quickly soaking only saves 30 minutes or so. It also marginally helps keep them whole, but you're going to be pureeing some anyway. and the flavor is so much better.

So hearty, healthy and easy with just 213 calories per serving!

The fiber in black beans not only helps to lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood and decrease the risk of heart disease, but it keeps you feeling full and that helps you lose weight.

Panera recently removed Black Bean Soup from their menu, saying it was a seasonal item. I think everyone can agree that Black Bean Soup is an Autumn Soup if anything, and its departure from the chain has impacted many.

Nutrition aside, the other main consideration is texture. For soups, stews and anything else liquidy, feel free to use the whole can — just keep in mind that you'll be adding more liquid than if the recipe calls for drained and rinsed beans.

Canned beans are packed in a solution of water, salt, and starch. That solution can leave a glossy film on the beans, interfering with not only mouthfeel (slimy beans are a little off-putting), but also the ability of the beans to cling to other ingredients in the dish and absorb those flavors.

Many people wonder if they need to drain and rinse canned beans, and the answer is, “it depends.” It's fine to add the bean liquid to many recipes, but if you want to reduce the amount of sodium, it's best to drain and rinse canned beans.

Eating half a cup of cooked lentils gives you lots of essential nutrients and their high fiber content makes you feel full. However, the fiber in lentils can be hard for your body to break down. Eating too many lentils can cause gas, bloating, and cramping.

Lentils have plenty of folate, iron and vitamin B1, which also support your heart health. Lentils may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease, by lowering bad cholesterol and blood pressure. One study found that eating lentils led to greater reductions in blood pressure than eating chickpeas, peas or beans.

Is lentil soup protein or carb? ›

Calories And Nutrition Facts For Lentil Soup

One and 1/3 cup of this hearty lentil soup provides 320 calories, 52 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of fiber, 18 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, 0.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol and 650 milligrams of sodium.

Beans are an excellent source of nutrients and offer numerous health benefits. They're a great of plant-based protein, fiber, iron and antioxidants. Eating beans on a regular basis can help in maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting your gut health.

Yes! "Eating beans, including canned beans, every day is one of the best things you can do to help increase nutrients [that you may fall short on] and substantially improve the quality of your diet," says Papanikolaou.

Black beans can help you lose weight

And that high fiber content can actually help you lose weight. Fiber is filling, and it helps you feel fuller for longer. Eating black beans could curb your appetite, filling you up with plenty of fiber between meals.

The bottom line

Black beans are among the most frequently consumed dry pulses around the world. They're considered nutritional powerhouses that are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants that help manage blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels.