This soup is packed with flavour & nourishing, plant-based proteins to help you fuel your day. Great for picky eaters & those who are hesitant to try vegetarian food!
Cook rice at a 1:1.75 ratio of rice to water (1 cup rice to 1 and ¾ cups water and set aside.
Heat a large soup pot over low-medium heat for about 3 minutes.
Add olive oil, allow it to heat up for 30 seconds then add onions and smoked paprika. Stir to combine then cover pot.
After 3 minutes or when onions turn soft and translucent add garlic & celery to the party,
stirring until coated. Cover and let steam a couple of minutes.
Add tomatoes, tomato paste, black beans, water, and sea salt. Stir together then bring to a boil. Reduce to a low heat and simmer 15-20 minutes, until tomatoes have broken down and veggies are soft. The longer you let it simmer, the deeper the flavour will develop.
Remove from heat and puree with immersion blender. You can leave it as chunky as you like, but a quick puree helps with texture, especially when feeding it to kiddos!
Stir in rice and return to heat. The longer you let it simmer the yummier it will taste!! You
may want to add a touch more salt after tasting.