Teresa's Recipes
Hearty Pinto Bean and Cheddar Soup
Warm up with this hearty Pinto Bean and Cheddar Soup, a delightful blend of creamy textures and robust flavors. This comforting dish features earthy pinto beans melded beautifully with sharp cheddar cheese, while spices like cumin and chili powder add a rich depth of flavor and warmth. Topped with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this soup not only nourishes the body but also lifts the spirit. Historically, pinto beans have been a staple in Mexican cuisine, representing nourishment and sustenance for generations, and this soup is a perfect homage to that tradition. Ideal for chilly evenings or a cozy gathering, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium, diced Onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 stalks, diced Celery
- 1 large, diced Carrot
- 4 cups Vegetable broth
- 3 cups, cooked (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed) Pinto beans
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup, shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced celery, and diced carrot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked pinto beans, vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree about half of the soup until smooth. This will thicken the soup while still retaining some texture.
- Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
- For an added kick, consider stirring in a teaspoon of hot sauce just before serving.
Tips
- For a smoky flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke or using smoked paprika.
- Feel free to substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese for different flavor profiles.
- This soup can be easily made vegan by omitting the cheese or using a dairy-free cheese alternative.