Hearty Pinto Bean and Sausage Soup

Ingredients

Pinto beans

1 cup, dried

Sausage

1 pound, sliced (preferably smoked sausage or kielbasa)

Onion

1, chopped

Carrots

2, diced

Celery

2 stalks, chopped

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Chicken broth

4 cups

Tomato paste

2 tablespoons

Cumin

1 teaspoon

Paprika

1 teaspoon

Salt

to taste

Pepper

to taste

Fresh cilantro

for garnish

Instructions

1. Rinse the pinto beans thoroughly and soak them in water overnight. Drain and rinse again before using.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the sliced sausage until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving the drippings.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the soaked pinto beans, browned sausage, chicken broth, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are combined.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beans are tender and the flavors meld together.
6. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.