This pinto bean soup is a delightful and hearty dish that brings the flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s not only creamy and nourishing but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply want a comforting meal, this soup fits the bill. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a nutritious option that everyone will love. Plus, being vegan makes it suitable for various dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pot Wonder: With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze!
- Flavorful and Nourishing: Rich in pinto beans and spices, this soup is full of deliciousness and nutrition.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with your favorite bread or salad.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, this soup won’t break the bank.
Tools and Preparation
To successfully prepare pinto bean soup, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here are some essential items you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Immersion blender (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A sturdy pot allows for even cooking and ample space to simmer all ingredients comfortably.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife helps you chop vegetables quickly and safely.
- Immersion blender: This handy tool lets you blend your soup to the desired consistency without transferring hot liquid to a blender.
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!
- 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 onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until translucent.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in the roasted tomatoes, garlic, carrots, potato, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to simmer with a lid for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Add Pinto Beans
Add the drained pinto beans to the pot. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Blend for Creaminess
Remove about half of the soup into another pot. Use an immersion blender to blend it until smooth; alternatively, pour half into a regular blender.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the blended portion back into the large pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious pinto bean soup!
How to Serve Pinto Bean Soup
Pinto bean soup is delightful and versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Herbs
- Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Green Onions: Add sliced green onions for a crunchy and mild onion taste.
- Parsley: Use parsley to bring in a hint of earthiness that complements the soup.
With Crunchy Toppings
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with crispy tortilla chips for added texture.
- Avocado Slices: Place creamy avocado slices on top for richness.
- Lime Wedges: Offer lime wedges to squeeze over the soup for a citrusy kick.
As a Main Course
- With Rice: Serve the soup over brown rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- In a Bread Bowl: Hollow out a small bread loaf and fill it with pinto bean soup for an impressive presentation.
How to Perfect Pinto Bean Soup
Creating the perfect pinto bean soup is easy with these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and nutrition. Always opt for fresh over canned when possible.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired thickness.
- Blend for Creaminess: For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup before serving. This adds richness without dairy.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust spices and salt gradually to achieve the best flavor balance.
Best Side Dishes for Pinto Bean Soup
Pinto bean soup pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread complements the flavors and adds a comforting touch.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips with fresh salsa provide a tasty contrast to the creamy soup.
- Simple Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette enhances freshness alongside the hearty soup.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness that pairs beautifully with pinto bean soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies offer depth and balance to your meal’s flavors.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains and vegetables make for an attractive accompaniment.
- Rice Pilaf: Flavored rice pilaf can absorb some of the delicious pinto bean broth, making each bite satisfying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making pinto bean soup can be delightful, but avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience.
- Skipping the soak – Not soaking your pinto beans beforehand can result in a longer cooking time. Always soak dried beans overnight or at least for a few hours to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
- Overcooking vegetables – Cooking vegetables too long may lead to mushy textures. Add them at the right time during cooking and taste as you go to ensure they remain vibrant and firm.
- Ignoring seasoning – Forgetting to season adequately can make the soup bland. Taste your soup throughout the cooking process and adjust spices and salt as needed for maximum flavor.
- Not blending properly – Failing to blend part of the soup for creaminess can make it less enjoyable. Blend only about half of the soup to achieve a balance of smoothness and chunkiness.
- Using low-quality broth – Using a broth that lacks flavor will affect the overall taste of your soup. Opt for high-quality vegetable broth or homemade options for enhanced taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pinto bean soup in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Pinto Bean Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pinto Bean Soup
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave – Transfer the soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated evenly.
- Stovetop – Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making pinto bean soup, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
What is Pinto Bean Soup?
Pinto bean soup is a hearty dish made with pinto beans, vegetables, spices, and broth, creating a creamy and flavorful meal that is nutritious and filling.
Can I make Pinto Bean Soup in advance?
Yes! Pinto bean soup can be made ahead of time. It stores well in both the refrigerator and freezer, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time.
How do I customize my Pinto Bean Soup?
You can customize your pinto bean soup by adding different vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers or adjusting spices according to your preference.
Is Pinto Bean Soup vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products while being packed with protein and fiber from the beans.
How spicy is Pinto Bean Soup?
The spice level depends on how much red pepper flakes you choose to add. Adjust it according to your taste preference!
Final Thoughts
This pinto bean soup is an incredible blend of flavors and nutrients, making it perfect for any meal occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences, whether by adding extra vegetables or adjusting spices. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try today!
Pinto Bean Soup
Enjoy a warm bowl of Pinto Bean Soup—a creamy, hearty dish bursting with the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. This vegan-friendly recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or hosting a casual gathering. Packed with protein and fiber from pinto beans and loaded with nutritious vegetables, this one-pot wonder is easy to make and budget-friendly. In just 45 minutes, you can serve up a delicious soup that everyone will love!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
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 dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 (14 oz) cans pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for about 4-5 minutes until transparent.
- Add fire-roasted tomatoes, garlic, carrots, potato, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes; cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in drained pinto beans; cook for an additional 10 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Blend half of the soup for creaminess using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Combine blended soup back into the pot; adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg