Hey, Welcome to the Salvadoran Bean Soup Recipe. Salvadoran Bean Soup is a comforting and hearty soup made with red beans, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, cherished in Salvadoran homes.
If you’ve ever tasted traditional Central American comfort food, you already know how rich and soul-warming it can be.
I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this wholesome recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Salvadoran
Category: Soup
History and Origin
Salvadoran Bean Soup, also known as “Sopa de Frijoles,” is a staple dish in El Salvador, dating back generations. It’s made with red beans, often cooked slowly with garlic, onions, and herbs.
This soup reflects the country’s agrarian roots and love for simple, satisfying meals. Each household has its cherished version. By the way, you can also try the Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe – Croque Glace.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Salvadoran Bean Soup Recipe:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red beans (cooked) | 2 cups |
| Water or vegetable broth | 4 cups |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 large |
| Bell pepper (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Carrot (sliced) | 1 medium |
| Fresh cilantro (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Cumin | ½ teaspoon |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Homemade Salvadoran Bean Soup Recipe:
- Large pot
- Stirring spoon
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Ladle
- Blender (optional)
How to Make Salvadoran Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Warm oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until they turn soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Carrots
Add chopped tomatoes and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook for another 3–4 minutes to release their flavor.
Step 3: Pour in Beans and Liquid
Add the cooked red beans along with the vegetable broth or water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Add cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Blend for Texture (Optional)
If you like a creamier texture, blend half of the soup and mix it back into the pot. This step is optional but adds richness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Stir in fresh cilantro. Enjoy it warm alongside rice or tortillas.
Recipe Card
Salvadoran Bean Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until they turn soft and fragrant.
- Add chopped tomatoes and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook for another 3–4 minutes to release their flavor.
- Add the cooked red beans along with the vegetable broth or water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- If you like a creamier texture, blend half of the soup and mix it back into the pot. This step is optional but adds richness.
- Stir in fresh cilantro. Enjoy it warm alongside rice or tortillas.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Salvadoran Red Bean Soup Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Sodium | 360mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Salvadoran Bean Soup hot with warm corn tortillas or a bowl of white rice. You can also enjoy it with pickled vegetables (curtido) or a slice of fresh avocado on the side.
It makes a comforting lunch or dinner, especially on chilly evenings when you crave something filling and flavorful.
Storage Tips
Keep any extra Salvadoran Bean Soup in a sealed container in the fridge for as long as 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until hot.
You can also freeze it for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
This Salvadoran Bean Soup Recipe is a cozy, nutritious bowl of love from El Salvador that anyone can make at home. It’s packed with flavor, simple ingredients, and pure comfort.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to cook Salvadoran Bean Soup?
It takes about 45 minutes to cook, including simmering time for full flavor development.
Can I use canned beans instead of cooked dried beans?
Yes, canned red beans work perfectly for this recipe. Just rinse and drain them before using.
Is Salvadoran Bean Soup vegetarian?
Yes, this version is completely vegetarian and can also be made vegan by using oil instead of butter.
What are good side dishes for Salvadoran Bean Soup?
It pairs well with rice, tortillas, avocado slices, or curtido (pickled cabbage slaw).
Can I freeze Salvadoran Bean Soup?
Yes, you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
You will also like the Little Caesars Pizza Dough Recipe.
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