Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Smoky Pinto Bean and Potato Soup is not just another recipe – it's a flavor-packed journey that will transport your taste buds to comfort food heaven! With its rich, smoky aroma and hearty ingredients, this soup is the perfect solution for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm, nutritious, and absolutely delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 can of pinto beans (drained and rinsed), 2 diced potatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste, and chopped cilantro for garnish.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Next, add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the potatoes to slightly soften.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the drained and rinsed pinto beans. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the soup with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- After the cooking time is up, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup, or mash some of the potatoes with a fork.
- Once the soup reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
- Enjoy your Smoky Pinto Bean and Potato Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and a good quality smoked paprika to enhance the soup's depth of flavor.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Take your time when sautéing onions and garlic. This builds a flavor foundation for the entire dish.
- Texture Matters: For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend some of the potatoes and beans.
- Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra complexity.
- Garnish Generously: The fresh cilantro isn't just for looks – it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the smoky soup.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
