Pinto Bean Soup

This Pinto Bean Soup is a delightful way to warm up on chilly days or serve at gatherings. It’s not only creamy and hearty but also packed with nourishing ingredients. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this soup offers vibrant flavors that are sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this soup quickly.
• Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of spices and pinto beans creates a rich taste that satisfies.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fiber and protein, this soup supports a balanced diet.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main dish or serve it alongside your favorite bread for a complete meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the essential tools listed below. These tools will help you create the best pinto bean soup possible.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking all the ingredients together, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Immersion blender: Perfect for blending the soup directly in the pot without transferring it, saving time and mess.

Ingredients

For this delicious Pinto Bean Soup, you will need:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 (14 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 small carrots (peeled and diced)
• 1 medium potato (peeled and diced)
• 1 tsp oregano (dried)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 2 bay leaves (optional)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 (14 oz) cans pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

How to Make Pinto Bean Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium/high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until translucent.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced potato, oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour in vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Pinto Beans

Add drained pinto beans into the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally.

Step 5: Blend for Creaminess

Remove about half of the soup from the pot. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth or transfer to a regular blender if needed. Return blended soup back into the pot.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your soup and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as desired. You may add a splash of lime juice for brightness if you like.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your nourishing Pinto Bean Soup!

How to Serve Pinto Bean Soup

Serving pinto bean soup can elevate your dining experience and add a burst of flavor. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance this hearty soup.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro – Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the spices in the soup.
• Green Onions – Chopped green onions provide a mild onion taste and a pop of color.
• Avocado – Sliced or diced avocado adds creaminess and richness to each bowl.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Baguette – Perfect for dipping, the crusty exterior contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.
• Cornbread – This slightly sweet bread pairs beautifully, providing a comforting side option.

Add a Side Salad

• Simple Green Salad – A light salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
• Mexican Street Corn Salad – This flavorful salad adds texture and complements the Mexican-inspired flavors.

Serve with Lime Wedges

• Fresh Lime – Squeezing lime juice over the soup enhances its brightness and adds acidity.

How to Perfect Pinto Bean Soup

Creating the perfect pinto bean soup involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out wonderfully every time.

• Choose Quality Beans – Opt for high-quality canned pinto beans or cook dried beans from scratch for better texture.
• Adjust Consistency – If your soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season Gradually – Start with less salt and pepper; you can always adjust later after blending.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic, onions, and vegetables will boost flavor compared to their dried counterparts.

Best Side Dishes for Pinto Bean Soup

Pinto bean soup pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Guacamole – Creamy avocado dip that enhances the Mexican theme and adds richness.
2. Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips that provide texture; they are perfect for dipping in the soup.
3. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice mixed with herbs adds extra substance without overpowering the soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until tender bring an earthy flavor that pairs well with the soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers stuffed with grains or vegetables make a hearty accompaniment.
6. Quesadillas – Cheesy quesadillas filled with veggies or plant-based cheese provide a delicious contrast in texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making pinto bean soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the soak: Not soaking your beans can lead to a longer cooking time and uneven texture. Always soak dried pinto beans overnight for the best results.
• Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season properly can result in bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, and spices.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking veggies too long can make them mushy. Add them at the right time to maintain their shape and flavor.
• Not blending properly: If you blend all of the soup, it may lose its hearty texture. Blend only half for a creamy consistency while keeping some chunks.
• Neglecting freshness: Using stale or old spices can dull the flavors. Always check your spices for freshness before use.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pinto bean soup in an airtight container.
• It can last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Pinto Bean Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Place it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pinto Bean Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about pinto bean soup that might help you.

How do I make pinto bean soup vegan?

You can easily make pinto bean soup vegan by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based, which this recipe already is!

What can I serve with pinto bean soup?

Pinto bean soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes! If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them separately before adding them to the soup.

How spicy is this pinto bean soup?

The spice level is adjustable; add red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.

Can I customize the ingredients in pinto bean soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini based on your preferences.

Final Thoughts

This pinto bean soup is not only delicious but also versatile and packed with nutrition. You can easily customize it by adding different veggies or adjusting the spices. We encourage you to give it a try and enjoy its comforting flavors!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Pinto Bean Soup

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Pinto Bean Soup is a warm, satisfying dish that’s perfect for chilly days or gatherings. This creamy, hearty soup is packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with vibrant flavors. With its simple preparation in just one pot, it’s an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy it as a main course or serve it alongside crusty bread for a complete meal that won’t break the bank.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 (14 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 small carrots (peeled and diced)
• 1 medium potato (peeled and diced)
• 1 tsp oregano (dried)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 2 bay leaves (optional)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 (14 oz) cans pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
2. Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced potato, oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Add drained pinto beans and continue simmering for another 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Remove half of the soup from the pot and blend until smooth. Return blended soup back into the pot.
6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 0mg