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Cozy Mexican Pinto Bean Soup Recipe Easy Comfort Food

Mexican pinto bean soup - featured image

A simple yet flavorful Mexican-inspired pinto bean soup packed with wholesome ingredients, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you’re craving comfort food with a kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ cups dried pinto beans (or 3 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced small
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Optional toppings: Fresh cilantro, avocado slices, diced jalapeños, tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
  3. Add diced onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
  5. Add the canned tomatoes and stir to combine. Let cook for 2-3 minutes to break down the tomatoes slightly.
  6. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Add the cooked (or canned) pinto beans to the pot. Stir well and reduce heat to a simmer.
  8. Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. If you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree some of the soup. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, process until smooth, and stir it back into the pot.
  10. Stir in the fresh lime juice right before serving for a zesty finish.
  11. Top with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately.

Notes

[‘If using dried beans, soaking them overnight ensures they cook evenly and reduces cooking time.’, ‘Toast the spices for a minute before adding liquids to bring out their full flavor.’, ‘Adjust the consistency by mashing some beans or blending half the soup for a thicker texture.’, ‘Adding lime juice at the end brightens the soup and balances the spices beautifully.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican soup, pinto bean soup, vegetarian soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe