Smoky Vegan Black Bean Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil
  Swaps for olive oil

  Instead of olive oil

  • Avocado oil or another neutral oil: The same amount. No olive flavor; avocado oil handles higher heat.
  • Butter: The same amount. Richer and nutty when browned.
  • A neutral oil + more seasoning: The same amount. Dressings lose the fruity, peppery note; a little extra lemon, garlic or mustard makes up for it.

  More for olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped
  Swaps for onion

  Instead of onion

  • Another onion: The same amount. Yellow is the all-rounder; white is sharper and crisper; red is milder raw and adds color; sweet onions are mildest.
  • Shallots: The same amount, chopped. Milder and sweeter, with a hint of garlic.
  • Leeks: About 1½ times as much, white and light green parts. Milder and softer when cooked.

  All 4 swaps for onion

• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
  Swaps for garlic

  Instead of garlic

  • Garlic powder: ⅛ tsp for each clove. Mellower and sweeter, with no bite.
  • Jarred minced garlic: ½ tsp for each clove. Milder and slightly sour from the preserving liquid.

  More for garlic

• 2 tsp ground cumin
  Swaps for ground cumin

  Instead of cumin

  • Ground coriander: The same amount. Brighter and citrusy, less earthy.
  • Chili powder: Twice as much. Contains cumin, plus chile heat and garlic.
  • Caraway seeds, ground: Half as much. A related flavor, a bit sharper.

  More for cumin

• 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
  Swaps for smoked paprika

  Instead of paprika

  • Sweet paprika + a pinch of chipotle or cumin: The same amount of paprika, plus a pinch. Some smokiness without the full smoked flavor; chipotle adds heat.
  • Chipotle powder: About ¼ the amount. Smoky and much hotter.

  More for paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano
  Swaps for dried oregano

  Instead of oregano

  • Fresh oregano: 1 tbsp chopped fresh for each 1 tsp dried (three times as much). Brighter and more peppery; use a little less than you think.
  • Dried marjoram, Italian seasoning or dried basil: The same amount. Marjoram is milder, basil sweeter; Italian seasoning already has oregano in it.

  More for oregano

• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, minced, plus 1 tsp of the sauce (optional)
• 3 cans black beans, 15 oz each, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups vegetable broth
  Swaps for vegetable broth

  Instead of broth

  • Chicken broth: The same amount. Richer and more savory; not vegetarian.
  • Bouillon cube, powder or paste + water: Follow the label for the amount of liquid. Close in flavor; a little saltier.
  • Water + extra seasoning: The same amount, with ½ tsp salt per cup and extra garlic, onion or herbs. Flatter and lighter, but fine where other ingredients bring plenty of flavor.

  More for broth

• 1 tsp kosher salt
  Swaps for kosher salt

  Instead of salt

  • Table salt or fine sea salt: About half as much as Diamond Crystal kosher, about ¾ as much as Morton kosher. The same saltiness when measured this way.
  • Salt by weight: 1 tsp is about 6 grams of table salt, 5 grams of Morton kosher, 3 grams of Diamond Crystal kosher. The most reliable way to swap, especially in baking and brines.

  More for salt

• 2 tbsp lime juice
  Swaps for lime juice

  Instead of lime juice

  • Lemon juice: The same amount. Milder aroma; still bright.
  • Bottled lime juice: The same amount. Flatter and more sour; fine in cooked dishes.
  • Rice vinegar or white vinegar: Half as much. Sour without the citrus aroma.

  More for lime juice

• diced avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips, for topping

Cooking for a crowd? Pans, timing and salt for 12 to 50.

Missing something? Tap Swaps next to an ingredient, or see all substitutions.