Black Bean Soup with Roasted Poblano Chiles

Ingredients

• 2 poblano chiles
• 2 tablespoons raw shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• 1 large dried pasilla or ancho chile, stemmed, seeds removed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled, crushed
• 1 14.5-ounce can fire-roasted or plain diced tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Kosher salt
• 2 14.5-ounce cans black beans, drained
• 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Method

1. 01Preheat broiler. Broil poblano chiles on a foil-lined baking sheet, turning occasionally, until blackened, 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam 15 minutes. Peel, seed, and finely chop.
2. 02Meanwhile, toast seeds in a small dry skillet over medium-high heat, tossing occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes; transfer to a plate. Toast pasilla chile in same skillet until slightly darkened and pliable, about 1 minute; transfer to plate.
3. 03Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and golden brown, 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a blender, add tomatoes and pasilla chile, and blend until smooth.
4. 04Return tomato mixture to saucepan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until thick, 6–8 minutes. Stir in broth; season with salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until soup is slightly thickened, 10–15 minutes. Stir in black beans and poblano chiles. Cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
5. 05Serve soup topped with queso fresco and pumpkin seeds, and with lime wedges alongside.
6. 06DO AHEAD: Soup can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.