Black Bean Soup and Quesadillas

• Think of adding quesadillas as a variation on the classic pairing of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. As such, the cheese-filled tortillas are particularly delicious with a black bean soup made with tomatoes. Serve some salsa, guacamole or sliced avocado on the side for a complete casual dinner meal; you also may use the salsa or diced avocado to garnish the soup.

Black Bean Soup and Cornbread

• Cornbread complements black bean soup well. Feel free to add jalapenos, fresh corn kernels or other flavorings to the cornbread as well. On the side, serve some curtido -- a Central American pickled cabbage salad -- or a tomato salad. Or saute some leafy greens such as collards or Swiss chard with garlic and red pepper flakes until tender.

Black Bean Soup and Beer Bread

• Beer bread makes a fine companion to a wide variety of soups -- black bean soup included. This is an especially good choice if your soup recipe includes beer. Coleslaw would make a good accompaniment to round out this meal, preferably one made with vinegar rather than mayonnaise; you want a tart note to help cut through the sweet and earthy notes of the rest of the meal. Another side dish possibility is corn, on the cob or off, drizzled with lime juice and salt.

Black Bean Soup and Rice

• Cuban black bean soup often is served with a scoop of rice in the bowl, but you could serve plain white or brown rice on the side, or opt for a simple rice pilaf. Choose a brightly colored vegetable side to round out this dinner. Grated carrot salad is a possibility, as is a red pepper relish that also can be used to garnish the soup.