Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef Soup sounds like a hearty, flavorful dish! Here’s a simple recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat (or ground beef if preferred)
- 1 ½ cups dried pinto beans (or 2 cans of cooked pinto beans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 cups beef broth or water
- 2 cups green chile (fresh or canned, diced, or roasted)
- 1 large tomato, diced (optional)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- Optional: Lime wedges and cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pinto Beans:
- If using dried pinto beans, rinse them and soak them overnight in water, or use the quick soak method (boil beans for 2-3 minutes and then let them sit covered for 1 hour).
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans before using them in the soup.
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown it on all sides. If using ground beef, break it up as it cooks.
- Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the pinto beans, beef (or ground beef), green chile, diced tomato (if using), cumin, chili powder, bay leaf, and beef broth (or water). Stir everything together.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer for 1.5-2 hours if using dried beans, or until the beans are tender. If using canned beans, simmer for about 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and add salt, pepper, or extra chili powder to your liking. You can also add a little more broth or water if you prefer a thinner soup.
- Optional Add-ins:
- If desired, you can add corn in the last 15 minutes of cooking to give the soup an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro if desired. Enjoy with warm tortillas or cornbread!
Tips:
- If you want more depth of flavor, consider adding a smoked ham hock or bacon to the soup for a smoky taste.
- For a spicier kick, use hotter green chile varieties or add a diced jalapeño.
This soup is a filling, comforting meal perfect for cold days! Let me know if you’d like any modifications or additional tips.
