Santa Fe Black Bean Minestrone
Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with this hearty Santa Fe Black Bean Minestrone. Bursting with the authentic taste of black beans, sweet corn, and zesty Mexican-style tomatoes, this soup offers a perfect balance of nutrition and comfort. The addition of coarsely chopped potatoes and frozen green beans not only enhances the texture but also makes it a wholesome meal. Ideal for either chilly evenings or warm afternoons, this sensational soup radiates cheer and satisfaction, making it a go-to dish when you crave something nourishing without the meat. Enjoy with a dollop of sour cream and fresh tortilla chips for a truly special experience. This delightful recipe is adapted from Better Homes & Gardens' 'Better Than Mom's Slow Cooker Recipes.'
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Black beans
2 (15-ounce cans, rinsed and drained)
Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
2 (14 1/2-ounce cans, undrained)
Whole kernel corn
1 (15 1/4-ounce can, rinsed and drained)
Reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 (14-ounce can)
Potatoes
2 (medium, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups))
Purchased salsa
1 (cup)
Frozen cut green beans
1 (cup)
Sour cream
optional (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a 3.5- or 4-quart slow cooker, combine the rinsed black beans, undrained Mexican-style stewed tomatoes, drained corn, reduced-sodium chicken broth, coarsely chopped potatoes, purchased salsa, and frozen green beans.
2
Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
3
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 7 to 9 hours until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together.
4
Once cooking is complete, stir the soup gently and serve it hot.
5
If desired, garnish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santa Fe Black Bean Minestrone?
It is a hearty, Southwest-inspired soup featuring black beans, sweet corn, Mexican-style tomatoes, potatoes, and green beans, typically prepared in a slow cooker.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include canned black beans, Mexican-style stewed tomatoes, whole kernel corn, chicken broth, potatoes, salsa, and frozen green beans.
Is this Santa Fe Black Bean Minestrone recipe vegetarian?
As written, it uses chicken broth. However, you can easily make it vegetarian or vegan by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
The recipe calls for cooking on high heat for 7 to 9 hours until the potatoes are tender and flavors have melded.
What size slow cooker is recommended for this recipe?
A 3.5-quart or 4-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for these ingredient quantities.
Do I need to drain the black beans before adding them?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the black beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the slow cooker.
Should the Mexican-style stewed tomatoes be drained?
No, the stewed tomatoes should be used undrained to provide extra flavor and liquid to the soup.
How should I prepare the potatoes?
You should use medium potatoes and chop them coarsely into pieces, yielding about 2 cups.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
While the recipe calls for frozen cut green beans, you can use fresh green beans, though cooking times may vary slightly.
What kind of salsa works best?
You can use any purchased salsa of your choice; choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your heat preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredient list, this soup is gluten-free, provided your chicken broth and salsa brands are certified gluten-free.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients, including the optional sour cream garnish.
What are some suggested garnishes for the soup?
A dollop of sour cream is recommended for creaminess, and fresh tortilla chips are a great addition for crunch.
Can I cook this on low heat instead of high?
Yes, typically slow cooker recipes on high for 7-9 hours could be cooked on low, but you would need to adjust the time significantly. Refer to your manual for conversion.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from 'Better Than Mom's Slow Cooker Recipes' by Better Homes & Gardens.
Do I need to stir the soup during cooking?
The recipe suggests stirring the mixture thoroughly at the start and once again gently after cooking is complete.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, because it contains two cans of black beans, corn, and vegetables, it is a naturally fiber-rich meal.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
If using dried black beans, they must be soaked and pre-cooked before adding to the slow cooker to ensure they soften properly.
What makes it 'Mexican-style'?
The use of Mexican-style stewed tomatoes, black beans, corn, and salsa gives the dish its authentic Southwest flavor profile.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the sour cream garnish or use a dairy-free alternative.
Is the soup spicy?
The spice level depends on the salsa you choose and the heat in the Mexican-style stewed tomatoes. You can control the heat by selecting mild versions.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While designed as a meatless meal, you could add cooked shredded chicken or ground beef if desired.
Should I rinse the corn?
Yes, the recipe recommends rinsing and draining the canned whole kernel corn before adding it to the pot.
How do I know when the soup is done?
The soup is ready when the coarsely chopped potatoes are completely tender.
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, while black beans are traditional for this flavor profile, kidney beans or pinto beans would also work well.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Is the chicken broth reduced-sodium?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for one 14-ounce can of reduced-sodium chicken broth.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, you can simmer the ingredients in a large pot on the stove until the potatoes are tender, though the slow cooker is the recommended method.
Is this a good meal for meal prep?
Yes, since it makes a large batch and the flavors improve over time, it is an excellent choice for meal prepping.