Description
In this hearty pinto bean soup, the beans melt into a smoky, herb-packed tomato broth with a creamy texture and loads of flavor. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect with crusty bread or cornbread.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery rib, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- ½ Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cans (14 oz each) pinto beans, drained
- 1½ cups low-sodium vegetable broth (plus more if needed)
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- To serve:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
Instructions
1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrot, onion, and celery. Cook, stirring often, until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, sage, rosemary, and cayenne if using. Stir for 1 minute to release flavor.
3. Add pinto beans, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Raise heat and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Turn off heat and let cool slightly. Blend about 1 cup of the soup until smooth and return it to the pot. Stir to combine for a creamier texture.
6. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or consistency by adding more broth or water as needed.
7. Divide into bowls and serve drizzled with olive oil and topped with fresh parsley or cilantro. Enjoy with crusty bread or tortilla chips.
Notes
If using dried beans, soak 1¼ cups overnight, cook until tender, and then use in place of canned.
Adjust salt based on the saltiness of your broth—taste at the end before final seasoning.
Leftovers keep in the fridge up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 1 month.
To reheat, thin with a splash of water and warm gently on the stove or microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 241
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 937mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg