Pinto Bean Soup with Bacon and Chorizo
This Pinto Bean Soup with Bacon and Chorizo is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for any season. The combination of smoky bacon, spicy pork chorizo, and creamy pinto beans creates a comforting, flavorful soup.
It’s an easy-to-make recipe that requires minimal prep and yields a deliciously satisfying meal for family and friends.
Whether served as a main course or a side, this soup is sure to impress with its rich, savory flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love this Pinto Bean Soup with Bacon and Chorizo because it’s the perfect blend of smoky, savory, and spicy flavors.
The bacon and chorizo add depth and richness, while the pinto beans create a creamy, hearty base.
The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the long simmering time makes this soup both easy to prepare and packed with deep, comforting flavors.
Plus, the addition of garlic and tomatoes gives it a satisfying balance of taste that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Key Ingredients:
Pinto beans: These provide a creamy texture and are the base of the soup.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor to the soup.
Pork chorizo: Offers a spicy, flavorful kick that complements the bacon.
Onion and celery: These vegetables form the aromatic base for the soup, adding sweetness and depth.
Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its rich, fragrant essence.
Chicken broth: Provides a savory liquid base to simmer the beans and bring everything together.
Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a slight sweetness to balance the richness of the soup
Pinto Bean Soup with Bacon and Chorizo
This comforting and hearty soup combines the richness of bacon, the savory depth of pork chorizo, and the creaminess of mashed pinto beans. Perfect for a cold day or whenever you’re craving a simple, yet flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
1 pack of chopped bacon
1 small pack of pork chorizo
1/2 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic (from the jar)
2 cups dried pinto beans, rinsed and sorted
2 boxes chicken broth (about 32 oz)
1 can diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, fry the chopped bacon until crispy. Add the chorizo, onion, and celery, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to blend.
Add the rinsed pinto beans and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender.
Mash some of the beans in the pot with a potato masher or fork to create a creamy texture.
Stir in the can of diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy this hearty soup with a side of crusty bread or cornbread.
Notes:
Beans: For a quicker cooking time, consider using canned pinto beans, but dry beans offer better flavor and texture when cooked slowly.
Chorizo: Adjust the amount of pork chorizo to control the level of spiciness. If you prefer a milder soup, you can use a smaller portion or omit it entirely.
Simmering Time: The longer you let the soup simmer, the more the flavors meld together. Feel free to cook it for even longer if you want a richer flavor.
Texture: Mashing some of the beans helps create a thicker, creamier texture for the soup. You can adjust the amount mashed to your liking.
Topping Suggestions: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or shredded cheese to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Storage: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be frozen for later use. Reheat it slowly on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18g | Fat: 16g | Saturated fat: 6g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Dietary fiber: 10g | Sugars: 4g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 1050mg | Potassium: 650mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a slow cooker to make this soup?
Yes, you can! After frying the bacon, chorizo, onion, celery, and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker.
Add the chicken broth and beans, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
You can mash the beans as desired towards the end.
Can I use canned pinto beans instead of dried beans?
Absolutely! If using canned pinto beans, drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup.
Skip the initial cooking time and just simmer the soup for about 30-45 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! You can skip the bacon and chorizo, and use olive oil or vegetable oil to sauté the vegetables.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.
How can I make the soup spicier?
If you want to add some heat, try adding diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a bit of hot sauce to the soup.
Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
When reheating, you may need to add a little more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Can I use a different type of bean instead of pinto beans?
Yes, you can substitute pinto beans with other beans such as navy beans, black beans, or kidney beans.
However, the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of bean you choose.
Do I need to soak the dried pinto beans before cooking?
Soaking dried beans overnight helps reduce cooking time, but it’s not strictly necessary.
If you skip soaking, just make sure to cook the beans longer to achieve the desired tenderness.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes, you can add some heat! Consider adding jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to give the soup a spicier kick.
You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
How do I get the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the cooked beans with a potato masher or an immersion blender.
This will create a creamier texture while leaving some whole beans for added texture.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option.
While it won’t provide quite the same richness as regular bacon, it will still add a nice flavor to the soup.