Mexican bean soup is a hug in a bowl. It’s packed with flavor and incredibly comforting. Across Mexico, you’ll find countless variations of this dish, from simple and rustic to rich and complex. It works beautifully as a hearty main course or a satisfying side.
Beyond its deliciousness, bean soup is also good for you. It’s often naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, making it a great option for people with dietary restrictions. Plus, it’s loaded with protein and fiber, keeping you full and energized.
Want to bring the taste of Mexico to your kitchen? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make amazing bean Mexican soup at home. We’ll cover ingredients, cooking methods, delicious variations, and serving suggestions to help you create the perfect bowl every time.
Understanding the Heart of the Soup: Key Ingredients
Mexican bean soup is a flexible, forgiving dish. But a few key ingredients will get you started on the right foot.
The Beans: Pinto vs. Other Varieties
Pinto beans are probably the bean most often used in Mexican bean soup. Their creamy texture and slightly earthy flavor make them a great match for the other flavors you’ll find in Mexican cuisine.
But you can try using other beans in your soup, too. Black beans will give the soup a smoky, hearty flavor. Kidney beans will give it a slightly sweeter taste. Great Northern beans are a mild-tasting bean that will blend in with the other flavors.
You can use either dry or canned beans in this soup. Cooking dry beans gives you a better texture and more flavor. To cook dry beans, soak them overnight, drain them, and simmer them in fresh water until they’re tender. But canned beans are okay, too, if you’re short on time.
Vegetables and Aromatics: Building Flavor
Onion and garlic are essential aromatics. Browning them in the pot before you add the other ingredients will give the soup a richer flavor.
You can also add carrots and potatoes for sweetness and body, bell peppers for a touch of sweetness and color, and corn for added texture and sweetness.
Fire-roasted tomatoes are a great addition to this soup. Canned fire-roasted tomatoes are easy to find, and roasting the tomatoes really brings out their flavor.
Spices: The Essence of Mexican Flavor
Cumin is a must-have spice. It gives the soup an earthy and warm flavor. Oregano adds slightly minty and peppery notes. Smoked paprika gives the soup a smoky depth.
You can also add chili powder for a touch of heat, chipotle powder for a smoky and spicy kick, and bay leaves for added depth.
Cooking Methods: Pot, Slow Cooker, and Instant Pot
There are many ways to cook up a batch of delicious Mexican bean soup, and the method you choose depends on your personal preferences and how much time you have to spend in the kitchen.
Stovetop Method: The Classic Approach
For a classic approach, you can always cook it on the stovetop. Here’s how:
- First, sauté some chopped onions and minced garlic in a little olive oil until they’re softened and fragrant.
- Next, add your favorite vegetables, like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or corn, along with your spices.
- Stir in your beans and broth, bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
For a creamier texture, you can partially blend the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender before returning it to the pot. Or leave it chunky for a more rustic feel.
Slow Cooker Method: Set It and Forget It
If you want to “set it and forget it,” try using a slow cooker. To adapt the recipe, you can optionally sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. Then, simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Using a slow cooker is super convenient and requires very little hands-on cooking. Plus, it gives the flavors a chance to develop even more deeply over time.
Instant Pot Method: Speed and Efficiency
For those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast, the Instant Pot is your friend. To adapt the recipe, use the sauté function to cook the aromatics, then add all the ingredients to the pot. Pressure cook for a specified time (refer to your Instant Pot manual for guidance), and then do a quick or natural pressure release.
The Instant Pot offers a much faster cooking time, making it a convenient option for busy people.
Variations and Adaptations: Making It Your Own
One of the best things about soup is how easy it is to customize it to your own liking. Here are a few ideas for putting your own spin on this Mexican bean soup recipe.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
This soup is already vegetarian, but to make it fully vegan, be sure to use vegetable broth. Also, nix any animal-based toppings like sour cream or cheese.
To up the protein, consider adding crumbled tofu or tempeh. For a heartier meal, stir in some cooked quinoa or rice.
Spice Level Adjustments
Want it hotter? Add more chili powder or use a hotter variety of chili pepper. Remember to remove the seeds from the peppers to tame the heat.
For unique flavor profiles, experiment with different spices. Cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika can add depth, while a tiny pinch of cinnamon can lend a subtle warmth.
Vegetable Substitutions and Additions
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what you prefer. Sweet potatoes can replace regular potatoes, while zucchini or squash can add extra nutrients.
Stir in some greens toward the end of cooking for added vitamins and minerals. Spinach or kale are great choices for extra iron and vitamins, while collard greens offer a heartier flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes: Elevating the Soup
Once your bean and Mexican flavors have melded into a rich, savory soup, you can elevate it with a variety of toppings and sides.
Classic Mexican Garnishes
Think of the flavors that make Mexican cuisine so appealing: bright, fresh herbs, creamy avocados, and a squirt of zesty citrus.
- Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note.
- Diced avocado lends some healthy fats and a creamy texture.
- Lime wedges offer a burst of acidity that balances the earthiness of the beans.
Complementary Toppings
Toppings can add richness, flavor, and texture.
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (or plant-based alternatives) contributes to the soup’s richness.
- Shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend (or your favorite vegan cheese), provides a flavorful, melty element.
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This bean and Mexican soup is versatile enough to be served as a hearty main course or a flavorful side.
- Serve it as a main course with a side of warm cornbread or tortillas for dipping.
- Enjoy it as a side dish alongside tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas.
- Don’t forget the garnishes! A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, and a squeeze of lime can make all the difference.
How to store and reheat your bean and Mexican soup
You can store leftover soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Here’s how:
- Cool the soup completely before storing it.
- Pour the soup into an airtight container. For freezing, be sure to use a freezer-safe container.
- Store in the refrigerator or freezer.
To reheat:
- Stovetop: Warm the soup over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Microwave: Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe container and heat until warmed through.
In Conclusion
Mexican bean soup is a delicious, healthy, and affordable option for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack. Because it’s so easy to adapt to different tastes and preferences, you can add or subtract ingredients to create a bowl that’s just right for you.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices, toppings, and serving suggestions. The possibilities are truly endless!
Whether you make it in the summer or the winter, this comforting and versatile soup is sure to become a family favorite.