Sopa Negra con Huevos
Costa RicanDinner

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Sopa Negra con Huevos is a beloved Costa Rican comfort food that transforms humble black beans into a rich, velvety soup. This traditional dish features black beans simmered with aromatic vegetables, cilantro, and spices until creamy and flavorful. The crowning glory comes from eggs poached directly in the simmering soup, creating silky pockets of protein that complement the earthy beans beautifully. Often served for breakfast or dinner, this one-pot wonder exemplifies Costa Rican home cooking at its finest. The soup develops deep, complex flavors as it cooks, with each spoonful offering warmth and satisfaction. Accompanied by fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and warm tortillas on the side, Sopa Negra con Huevos represents the rustic elegance of Tico cuisine, where simple ingredients are elevated through time-honored cooking techniques passed down through generations.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. Rinse and sort through the black beans, removing any debris or damaged beans. In a large stockpot, combine beans with 8 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat.

  2. While beans are heating, dice the onions, bell peppers, and celery into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely.

  3. Once beans reach a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes until beans begin to soften.

  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and celery, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.

  5. Add minced garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and bay leaves to the vegetables. Sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

  6. Transfer the sautéed vegetable mixture to the pot with the beans. Add salt and continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes until beans are completely tender.

  7. Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup to create a creamy texture while leaving some whole beans for texture. Alternatively, remove 2 cups of soup, blend it, and return it to the pot.

  8. Stir in chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.

  9. Create 6 small wells in the simmering soup using a spoon. Carefully crack one egg into each well.

  10. Cover the pot and let eggs poach in the soup for 4-5 minutes until whites are set but yolks remain slightly runny.

  11. Serve immediately in deep bowls, ensuring each portion contains one poached egg. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges and warm tortillas on the side.

Sopa Negra con Huevos

5.0 (20)

A hearty Costa Rican black bean soup enriched with perfectly poached eggs, creating a comforting one-pot meal perfect for any time of day with bold flavors and creamy texture.

medium
1h 5m
6 servings

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups black-beans, dried, rinsed and sorted

Aromatics

  • 1 pieces onions, diced
  • 1 pieces bell-peppers, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Spices

  • 4 tablespoons cilantro, chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • 2 teaspoons cumin, ground
  • 1 teaspoons oregano, dried
  • 2 pieces bay-leaves, whole
  • 1 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Cooking Base

  • 2 tablespoons olive-oil

Protein

  • 6 pieces eggs, whole

For Serving

  • 2 pieces lime, cut into wedges

Chef Tips

expert advice
For a richer flavor, cook the beans with a ham bone or bacon during the simmering process.
The soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
If you prefer fully cooked eggs, poach them for 7-8 minutes instead of 4-5.
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
Some Costa Rican families add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or Salsa Lizano for extra depth.
If the soup becomes too thick upon standing, thin it with vegetable broth or water.
The consistency should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still soupy.
For vegetarian Lizano substitute, use soy sauce with a touch of vinegar.
Fresh cilantro is essential - do not substitute with dried.
The lime juice at serving brightens all the flavors beautifully.
Sopa Negra con Huevos | Cuisinao