Where does Sopa Negra come from?

Sopa Negra — country of origin: Costa Rica.

What is Sopa Negra made of?

Black bean, egg, onion, coriander, garlic, sour cream.

Which allergens does Sopa Negra contain?

Contains eggs and egg products. Contains milk and milk products (including lactose).

How do you pronounce Sopa Negra?

Sopa negra (Spanish, Costa Rica) is pronounced /ˈsopa ˈneɣɾa/.

Sopa Negra

Pronunciation (IPA) /ˈsopa ˈneɣɾa/

A Costa Rican black bean soup thickened with egg and finished with coriander and sour cream.

Also known as: Costa Rican black bean soup · Black bean soup

Allergens & declarations

Contains

Egg

Contains eggs and egg products

Milk (including Lactose)

Contains milk and milk products (including lactose)

This describes the classic recipe, so you know what to ask about. It is not a declaration for any particular kitchen — recipes and suppliers vary, and only the restaurant can tell you what is in the dish it serves.

In detail

Sopa negra is a black bean soup from Costa Rica, thickened with egg and finished with coriander and sour cream.

Black beans are a staple across Latin America, and bean soups of this kind are made in many countries in the region. The Costa Rican version takes its name from its colour, and it is set apart by the egg that thickens it and the coriander and sour cream added before serving.

What it really is

Black beans are simmered with onion and garlic until they are soft, and then the soup is thickened with egg. Coriander and sour cream go on at the end. The beans are the core of the dish, while the stock and seasoning vary from cook to cook, so two bowls can taste quite different.

How it's served

Hot, in a deep bowl, with the coriander and sour cream added just before it leaves the kitchen.
Usually with white rice or corn tortillas served alongside as separate items.
Eaten with a spoon as a first course.

Name the base: black beans, so guests know the soup is built on beans.
Flag eggs, and milk from the sour cream. Ask the kitchen whether the stock is made with meat or fish, and say so on the menu if it is.
List coriander and sour cream as the standard garnish, and offer the soup without sour cream if a guest asks for it.
Name any rice or tortillas served alongside, and flag their allergens as separate items.

Typical ingredients

Put it on your menu with Menuella

Frequently asked questions

What is Sopa Negra?: A Costa Rican black bean soup thickened with egg and finished with coriander and sour cream.
Where does Sopa Negra come from?: Sopa Negra — country of origin: Costa Rica.
What is Sopa Negra made of?: Black bean, egg, onion, coriander, garlic, sour cream.
Which allergens does Sopa Negra contain?: Contains eggs and egg products. Contains milk and milk products (including lactose).
What is Sopa Negra also known as?: Costa Rican black bean soup, Black bean soup.
How do you pronounce Sopa Negra?: Sopa negra (Spanish, Costa Rica) is pronounced /ˈsopa ˈneɣɾa/. Select the speaker button next to the dish name to hear it.