Pinto Bean Soup

This Pinto Bean Soup is a delightful dish that shines any time of the year. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal for a cozy night in or a nourishing option to serve guests, this soup fits the bill perfectly. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and makes use of simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and can be whipped up in just one pot, making clean-up a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This pinto bean soup comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful and Nourishing: With fire-roasted tomatoes and a blend of spices, every spoonful is bursting with taste.
• Versatile Dish: Customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your palate.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish supports a balanced diet while being low in fat.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious soup!

Tools and Preparation

To make this flavorful pinto bean soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A sturdy pot allows for even heat distribution while cooking the soup.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife helps you chop ingredients quickly and safely.
• Immersion blender: This tool lets you blend the soup directly in the pot for easy preparation.

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!

For the Soup Base

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 (14 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes (see notes)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 small carrots (peeled and diced)
• 1 medium potato (peeled and diced)

For Seasoning

• 1 tsp oregano (dried)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 2 bay leaves (optional)

For Liquids

• 2 cups vegetable broth

For Protein

• 2 (14 oz) cans pinto beans (drained and rinsed; see notes)

To Taste

• Salt and pepper

How to Make Pinto Bean Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

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

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Spices

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

Step 3: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing heat to simmer with a lid for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Beans

Add the drained pinto beans into the pot. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Blend for Creaminess

If you prefer a creamy texture, pour about half of the soup into another pot or use an immersion blender directly in your large pot to blend until smooth.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency

Return blended soup back into the large pot. If needed, add more broth or water for desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your warm bowl of deliciousness!

How to Serve Pinto Bean Soup

Pinto bean soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, there are several delicious options to enhance your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, zesty flavor.
• Green Onions: Add sliced green onions to bring a mild onion taste and crunch.

With Accompaniments

• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado pairs well with the soup’s texture and adds healthy fats.

As Part of a Meal

• With Tortillas: Serve warm corn or flour tortillas to scoop up the soup—a traditional touch!
• With Rice: A side of fluffy rice complements the hearty nature of pinto bean soup.

How to Perfect Pinto Bean Soup

Achieving the perfect pinto bean soup is all about the right techniques and ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables whenever possible for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Spices: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spices to suit your palate; adding cumin or smoked paprika can greatly change the flavor profile.
• Blend for Texture: For a creamier consistency, blend part of the soup and mix it back in.
• Taste as You Go: Regularly taste your soup and adjust salt, pepper, or additional spices as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Pinto Bean Soup

Pairing pinto bean soup with complementary side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options.

1. Cornbread: This sweet, crumbly bread balances the savory flavors of the soup beautifully.
2. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and pairs perfectly with the soup’s spice.
3. Salad Verde: A light green salad with vinaigrette offers freshness and cuts through the richness of the soup.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a fun, interactive appetizer.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted seasonal veggies provide a delightful contrast in flavor and texture.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and nutrients while complementing the flavors of pinto bean soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing pinto bean soup. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not soaking the beans – If using dried pinto beans, remember to soak them overnight. This helps them cook evenly and reduces cooking time.
• Ignoring seasoning – Skipping spices can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasonings as you go for a richer flavor.
• Overcooking the vegetables – If you let the veggies cook too long, they can become mushy. Aim for tender but still firm vegetables for better texture.
• Using low-quality broth – The broth is a key ingredient. Opt for high-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor in your pinto bean soup.
• Not blending enough – Blending only a small portion can leave the soup too chunky. Blend to your desired consistency for a creamier texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Pinto Bean Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pinto Bean Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat until warm, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about pinto bean soup and its preparation:

Can I use dried beans instead of canned for Pinto Bean Soup?

Yes, you can use dried pinto beans! Just soak them overnight and adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make Pinto Bean Soup spicier?

To add heat, incorporate more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking.

What other ingredients can I add to Pinto Bean Soup?

Feel free to customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is Pinto Bean Soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.

Can I make this Pinto Bean Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Final Thoughts

Pinto bean soup is a deliciously creamy and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various veggies and spices. Give this recipe 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: Amelia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Indulge in a warm bowl of Pinto Bean Soup, a creamy and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This one-pot wonder is packed with flavor and made from wholesome ingredients, including hearty pinto beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and vibrant vegetables. Not only is this soup budget-friendly and quick to prepare, but it’s also gluten-free, vegan, and loaded with protein and fiber. Whether enjoyed on a cozy night in or served at a gathering with friends, this comforting bean soup promises to satisfy your taste buds while nourishing your body.

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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

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 4-5 minutes).
2. Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, garlic, carrots, potato, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer with a lid for 10-15 minutes.
4. Add drained pinto beans and cook for another 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. For a creamy texture, blend half of the soup using an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender.
6. Return blended soup to the pot. Adjust consistency with extra broth or water as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot in bowls garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 410mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 0mg