Pinto Bean Soup

This Pinto Bean Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion! It’s creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting friends for a casual gathering, this soup offers warmth and comfort. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a nourishing choice for everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This one-pot recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes and Mexican spices creates a vibrant taste that will delight your taste buds.
• Healthy and Nutritious: With high protein and fiber content, this soup supports a balanced diet while being low in fat.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or a side dish, and feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings!
• Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples like pinto beans and vegetables makes this soup both delicious and economical.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your pinto bean soup effectively, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: This allows you to cook all ingredients together without overcrowding, which is essential for even cooking.
• Knife: A sharp knife helps you chop vegetables quickly and safely.
• Immersion blender: Blending directly in the pot saves time on cleanup and reduces the risk of spills.

Ingredients

This Mexican-inspired pinto bean soup is creamy, hearty, nourishing, and absolutely packed with flavor! Combining pinto beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, veggies, broth, and Mexican seasonings leads to a soup that is ridiculously more-ish. Plus, this recipe can be made in just one pot, is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian (vegan), high-protein, high-fiber, low-fat, and not to mention low-cost!

Ingredients:
– 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 oil in a large pot over medium/high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 4–5 minutes until translucent.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Spices

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

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer covered for about 10–15 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Pinto Beans

Add drained pinto beans to the pot. Let everything cook for another 10 minutes or until the veggies are tender. Stir occasionally.

Step 5: Blend for Creaminess

Pour about half of the soup into another pot or bowl. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. Alternatively, transfer half into a standard blender if preferred.

Step 6: Combine Smooth Mixture

Return the blended soup back into the large pot with unblended soup. Stir well to combine.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste your soup! Adjust salt, pepper or spices as needed. A squeeze of lime juice adds brightness!

Step 8: Serve & Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy your delicious pinto bean soup!

How to Serve Pinto Bean Soup

Pinto bean soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want it as a standalone meal or paired with other flavors, serving options abound. Here are some delicious suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and freshness.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley provides a subtle earthiness that complements the soup.

Topped with Avocado

• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add richness and balance out the spices in the soup.
• Guacamole: A dollop of guacamole offers a zesty twist and enhances the creamy texture.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve pinto bean soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs beautifully with this savory soup, adding a delightful contrast.

With Lime Wedges

• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over your soup for an added layer of brightness and acidity.

How to Perfect Pinto Bean Soup

Creating the perfect pinto bean soup takes a few careful steps to ensure maximum flavor and texture. Here are some helpful tips to enhance your soup-making skills.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for organic pinto beans and fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking for a balanced flavor profile.
• Incorporate Fresh Produce: Add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance nutrition and variety.
• Simmer Longer: Letting the soup simmer longer allows flavors to meld beautifully; just be mindful of veggie doneness.
• Blend for Creaminess: Blend part of the soup to achieve a creamy texture without using dairy products.
• Store Properly: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.

Best Side Dishes for Pinto Bean Soup

Pinto bean soup is hearty enough on its own but pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement this flavorful soup.

1. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa create a delightful appetizer before indulging in your soup.
2. Simple Salad: A light green salad dressed with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice provide an extra layer of substance, making your meal even heartier.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Assorted roasted veggies offer a sweet and smoky contrast to the savory pinto bean soup.
5. Rice or Quinoa: Serving pinto bean soup over cooked rice or quinoa makes it even more filling and satisfying.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Grilled zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers bring a smoky flavor that pairs well with the spices in the soup.
7. Baked Potatoes: Soft baked potatoes topped with your favorite condiments make for a comforting side dish alongside pinto bean soup.
8. Pita Bread Chips: Crispy pita chips add crunch and are perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pinto bean soup can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the final result.

• Skipping the soak: Not soaking the beans can lead to a longer cooking time and less creamy texture. Always soak your beans overnight for optimal results.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the vegetables too long can make them mushy. Sauté just until tender to maintain some crunch.
• Ignoring seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process can leave your soup bland. Season at multiple stages for a richer flavor.
• Not blending enough: If you prefer a creamy texture, don’t skimp on blending the soup. Blend at least half for a smoother consistency.
• Using low-quality broth: Cheap or low-quality broth can affect the soup’s overall flavor. Choose a good vegetable broth for the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Pinto Bean Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Pinto Bean Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout. Add water or broth if needed to adjust consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making pinto bean soup.

Can I use dried pinto beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried pinto beans! Just soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to your soup.

How do I make my Pinto Bean Soup spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños during cooking to enhance the spice level in your pinto bean soup.

What can I add for protein?

Consider adding cooked chicken or turkey if you’d like extra protein. You can also include quinoa or lentils for plant-based options.

How can I customize my Pinto Bean Soup?

Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers based on your preference. Herbs like cilantro or avocado as a topping also work great!

Is Pinto Bean Soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup keeps well, making it ideal for meal prep. Just store it properly and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This pinto bean soup is not only creamy and hearty but also versatile and easy to customize based on your tastes. Whether you want it spicier or packed with more veggies, feel free to experiment! We encourage you to try this recipe soon; it’s sure to become a favorite!

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: Alexia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Pinto Bean Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This creamy, hearty soup combines nutritious pinto beans with fire-roasted tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of Mexican spices for an irresistible taste. Quick to prepare in just one pot, it’s ideal for busy weeknights yet sophisticated enough to impress your guests. Packed with protein and fiber while being low in fat, this delicious soup is not only budget-friendly but also a wholesome option suitable for everyone at the table. Customize it with your favorite toppings or serve it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.

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Ingredients

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• 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 heat. Sauté diced onion for 4–5 minutes until translucent.
2. Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, minced garlic, carrots, potato, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 10–15 minutes.
4. Incorporate drained pinto beans and cook for another 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Blend half of the soup using an immersion blender or standard blender until smooth.
6. Return blended soup to the pot and stir well to combine.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot with fresh herbs as garnish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 0mg