Drain and rinse the soaked black beans thoroughly, removing any debris or shriveled beans.
Place the rinsed beans into the slow cooker along with the vegetable broth, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
Sprinkle in the cumin and chili powder, then cover and set the slow cooker to low. Let it cook for 6-8 hours until the beans are very soft and breaking apart.
Once the beans are tender and fragrant, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to blend part of the soup until creamy, leaving some beans whole for texture.
Taste the soup and squeeze in fresh lime juice for brightness, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Stir in a tablespoon or two of olive oil for a subtle sheen and richness, then let the soup rest for 10 minutes to settle the flavors.
Serve the soup hot, topped with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired, for a comforting and hearty meal.