Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and red bell pepper, cooking until softened.
Build the Flavor Base: Stir in garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for about a minute to release their aroma.
Add the Main Ingredients: Pour in the vegetable broth, canned tomatoes, black beans, and Lightlife crumbles. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Simmer: Let the soup cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Finish with Toppings: Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese, light sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Notes
If you don't want to use Light Life Crumbles, you can simply add one more can of black beans! One can of black beans has about 24.5 grams of protein.