Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwestern Refried Bean Soup?
Southwestern Refried Bean Soup is a hearty, flavorful blend of creamy refried beans, black beans, corn, and green chilies simmered in a savory broth.
Is this Southwestern Refried Bean Soup vegetarian?
The recipe can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What type of refried beans should I use?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of fat-free spicy refried beans.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute canned corn with fresh whole kernel corn or Mexican-style corn.
What kind of broth works best for this soup?
You can use either chicken broth or vegetable broth depending on your dietary preference.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through.
What toppings are recommended for this soup?
It is best served with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, and crispy tortilla chips.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 5.5 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe suitable for busy schedules.
What type of tomatoes should I buy?
You can use one 14 1/2 ounce can of either stewed tomatoes or diced tomatoes.
How much fat is in this soup?
This soup is low in fat, containing only 1.3 grams per serving.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot salsa and varying the amount of ground cumin.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 20.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this soup contain fiber?
Yes, it provides 3.1 grams of dietary fiber per serving.
Should the black beans be drained?
Yes, the black beans should be rinsed and drained before adding them to the saucepan.
How much water is added to the mixture?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of water.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
There is a small amount of sugar, approximately 0.75 grams per serving.
What is the primary seasoning used?
Ground cumin is the primary seasoning used to taste.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup stores well and can be reheated for a cozy dinner later.
What size can of green chilies is needed?
You will need one 4-ounce can of diced green chilies.
Is the soup served hot or cold?
The soup is served hot, immediately after simmering.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe was adapted from Simple & Delicious magazine.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Monterey Jack is suggested, you could also use Cheddar or a Mexican blend.
How do I prepare the stewed tomatoes?
If using stewed tomatoes, they should be cut up before being added to the soup.
What gives the soup its thick texture?
The fat-free spicy refried beans provide a creamy and thick base for the soup.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Though intended as a bean soup, you could add cooked shredded chicken or ground beef if desired.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the labels on the broth, salsa, and tortilla chips to be certain.
How much salsa is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of salsa.