Step 1

Heat oil on the “Saute” function in your Instant Pot. Add the onions, peppers, garlic and SALT and saute for 10-12 minutes, until very soft. Take your time here.

Step 2

Add oregano, bay, cumin, smoked paprika and tomato paste. Saute 1 minute.

Step 3

Add veggie broth and water, scraping up any browned bits. (If using soaked beans, leave out the water.)

Step 4

Add the dry, unsoaked, black beans, give a stir and set instnat pot to high pressure for 30 minutes. ( if using soaked beans see notes). At this time you could make the roasted sweet potatoes if you like- see notes.

Step 5

Manually release (or natural) and give a stir.

Step 6

Add the sugar and lime. Fish out the bay leaves.

Step 7

For extra luscious, Blend 2 cups of the soup until very smooth and stir back into the soup. (Recommended!)

Step 8

Taste, and adjust salt, lime and heat- adding more cayenne if you like.

Step 9

Serve and garnish with a few toppings- they really do add to it! Something creamy like avocado ( or sour cream) something crunchy like the sweet potato chips or totasted coconut, something fresh- cilantro or scallions or onions.