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Bean Tortilla Soup

Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 3 large dried New Mexico red chiles , stemmed, seeded, and torn into pieces
  • 1 medium onion , chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic , peeled
  • 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 3 cups cooked pinto beans , drained
  • Salt , to taste
  • 6 corn tortillas
  • 4 cups chopped spinach , chard, or kale
  • 1 avocado , cubed, for garnish
  • 1 large lime , cut into wedges

Instructions

  • In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chile pieces until fragrant, 1–2 minutes. Set aside.
  • Heat a large (6–8 quart) saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until beginning to brown, 4–6 minutes, adding a splash of water as needed to prevent sticking. Transfer to a blender along with the toasted chiles, tomatoes, and smoked paprika. Puree until smooth.
  • Return the pot to medium heat. Add the puree and cook, stirring nearly constantly, until thickened to the consistency of tomato paste, about 6 minutes. Add the broth, water, oregano, and pinto beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes.
  • While the soup simmers, heat the oven to 375°F. Cut each tortilla in half, then slice into 1/4-inch strips. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet, sprinkle lightly with salt, and bake about 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until golden and crisp. Let cool.
  • Add the greens to the soup and cook until wilted—about 2 minutes for spinach, longer for chard or kale. Season to taste.
  • Ladle into bowls and top with tortilla strips and avocado. Serve with lime wedges.