Spicy Black Bean Soup

Black Beans

Pinto beans creamier, hold their shape slightly lessDried, cooked ¾ cup dried ≈ one 15 oz can drained

Red Onion

Yellow onion milder cooked, none of the anthocyaninsWhite onion sharper raw, none of the anthocyaninsShallots sweeter and finer; about 3 small per onion

Carrots

Baby carrots no peeling, more per poundFrozen sliced carrots softer; won't roast

Garlic

Fresh cloves 1 tsp jarred = 1 clove

Diced Tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes smoother, no crushing neededWhole peeled tomatoes crush by hand going inFire-roasted diced tomatoes smokier, 1:1

Smoked Paprika

Sweet paprika same color and body, none of the smoke

Better Than Bouillon

Any vegetable bouillon paste match to 1 tsp per cup of waterVegetable bouillon cubes usually 1 cube per 2 cupsVegetable bouillon powder check the jar; concentrations varyBoxed vegetable broth use in place of the water

Bottled Lime Juice

Fresh limes 1 lime ≈ 2 tbsp

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Butter 1:1 for cooking; browns at a lower temperature, and it sets solid once coldRefined olive oil higher smoke point, less flavorAvocado oil neutral, very high smoke point

Sea Salt

Kosher salt coarser, so more by volume; the ratio depends on the brandTable salt finer and denser; use about ¾ by volume

No close substitute for Cumin and Chili Powder.