Description
A hearty and flavorful Mexican Pinto Bean Soup made with tender beans, tomatoes, and warm spices. This comforting plant-based dish is perfect for chilly days and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans (or 4 cups canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Avocado slices (for serving)
Instructions
- If using dried pinto beans, rinse and soak them overnight in water, or use the quick-soak method by boiling for 2 minutes, covering, and letting sit for 1 hour. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add soaked dried beans (or canned beans if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours for dried beans, or 20–30 minutes for canned beans, until tender and flavors meld.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash a portion of the beans before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Use vegetable broth to keep the recipe fully vegan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
