Hey there, food enthusiasts! Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my family’s go-to easy weeknight meals: the Santa Fe Soup Recipe. This dish is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition! Growing up, my mom and grandma would make huge batches of this hearty, flavorful soup, especially during the cooler months. Over the years, we’ve tweaked the recipe to perfection, and now it’s a staple at my house too. It’s so good that even my picky husband and kids love it—I mean, that’s a true test, right?
The best part? This recipe is incredibly flexible. Whether you’re craving something spicy, mild, vegetarian, or vegan, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up whatever veggies or beans you have lying around. When you sit down to enjoy a bowl of this cozy, satisfying soup, you’ll feel like you’re wrapped up in a warm hug. Let’s get cooking and start your night off with a delicious, comforting bowl of Santa Fe Soup!
Why This Santa Fe Soup Recipe Is Special
This isn’t your average weeknight meal—it’s a keeper! Here’s why:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Use whatever ingredients you have on hand to make it your own.
- Family-friendly: Perfect for picky eaters, and customizable to suit any diet.
- Clean-out-the-fridge: A great way to use up leftovers while creating a hearty, satisfying meal.
Let’s make some magic in the kitchen and enjoy a hearty, delicious bowl of Santa Fe Soup!
Ingredients for Santa Fe Soup
Let’s dive into the heart of this delicious Santa Fe Soup—starting with the ingredients! Don’t worry if you don’t have everything listed exactly; feel free to substitute based on what you have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons—Perfect for sautéing veggies and adding a touch of richness.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped—the foundation for a flavorful soup.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced—Because everything tastes better with a little garlic!
- Bell Peppers: 1 red, 1 green, chopped—Adds brightness, sweetness, and vibrant color.
- Corn: 1 cup, frozen or canned—a key ingredient for that authentic Santa Fe taste.
- Black Beans: 1 can, drained and rinsed—Adds protein and heartiness to the soup.
- Kidney Beans: 1 can, drained and rinsed—Complements the flavors with its rich texture.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can, undrained—Provides the essential tangy base for the soup.
- Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: 4 cups—the liquid that ties everything together. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Chili Powder: 2 teaspoons—Gives the soup its signature Southwestern warmth.
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon—Offers an earthy depth that ties the flavors together.
- Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon—Adds a fragrant, herby touch.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste—Don’t forget to season your soup for the best flavor!
Optional Toppings
Customize your bowl with sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, avocado slices, cilantro, tortilla strips, or lime wedges. Get creative and make it your own!
Ingredient Substitutions and Swaps
Don’t stress if you’re missing an ingredient. Here are some easy swaps:
- No bell peppers? Try zucchini, carrots, or even diced mushrooms.
- Out of black beans? Pinto, kidney, or cannellini beans work perfectly.
- Can’t find corn? Use frozen peas or diced zucchini as a substitute.
The beauty of soup is its flexibility. Feel free to adjust based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to clean out your fridge by throwing in any leftover veggies or proteins. Keep it simple or add your favorite extras—whatever makes it taste best to you!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Santa Fe Soup
Let’s get cooking! This soup is so easy, even my kids can help (with supervision, of course!).
- Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the base for the soup’s flavor. - Add the Veggies
Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly tender. This ensures the peppers remain vibrant and add a nice crunch to the soup. - Add the Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the corn, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), and chicken broth or vegetable broth. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. These spices are essential for the unique Santa Fe flavor profile. - Simmer
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes! - Taste and Adjust
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more chili powder for extra heat, or more salt and pepper to taste. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so personalizing the seasoning is key. - Blend (Optional)
For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. This adds a nice texture and makes it more velvety. If you want a thicker soup, blending some of the soup will work. - Serve and Top
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings: sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips for Perfecting Your Santa Fe Soup
- Don’t Skip the Sautéing Step: It really builds the flavor of the soup.
- For a Richer Flavor: Use roasted vegetables.
- Add a Can of Green Chiles: For extra heat.
- Smoky Flavor: Add some smoked paprika.
- Let it Simmer Longer: For the best flavor.
Make Your Santa Fe Soup in the Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
- Slow Cooker: Sauté veggies as directed, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Instant Pot: Use the sauté function to cook the onions and bell peppers. Then, add remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
Variations and Add-Ins for Santa Fe Soup
This is where you can really get creative and make this Santa Fe Soup Recipe your own!
- Add Protein: Ground beef, ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even chorizo would be delicious additions. Brown the meat before adding it to the pot.
- Spice It Up: Add a diced jalapeño pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to kick up the heat. Use your own discretion when adding spice as too much can become overwhelming.
- Add More Veggies: Zucchini, carrots, spinach, or kale would all be great additions.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end for extra richness.
- Lime: Adding lime juice to the soup can give a nice tang to the flavor of the dish. It’s another way to bring out stronger flavors throughout this meal.
- Sweetness: Adding a touch of sweetness to the soup, either through honey, maple syrup, or sugar, allows the soup to have more depth within the complex flavors it’s delivering.
Serving Suggestions
This Santa Fe Soup Recipe is fantastic on its own, but it’s also great with a side of crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple salad. It’s also amazing served over rice or quinoa.
Storing Leftovers (~25 words)
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 2-3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in Santa Fe Soup?
Santa Fe soup typically includes a combination of ingredients that is corn, tomatoes, beans, and chili powder. This gives it a nice blend of flavours that will be sure to leave you wanting more. Of course, there are several variations on ingredients because some like it certain ways!
Is Santa Fe Soup healthy?
Yes, Santa Fe soup can be very healthy! It’s packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins from the beans, vegetables, and tomatoes. Just be mindful of portion sizes and toppings, as those can add extra calories and fat. It’s a great source of nutrients in one bowl!
What goes well with Santa Fe Soup?
Santa Fe soup pairs nicely with cornbread, crusty bread, a simple green salad, quesadillas, or tortilla chips for dipping. You can also top it with sour cream, avocado, shredded cheese, or cilantro! It has a unique flavor palette which might allow multiple different pairings and still be a treat.
What is the secret ingredient in soup?
While there’s no single “secret” ingredient, patience is key! Allowing the soup to simmer for a longer time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer, more complex taste. Also, starting with a good quality broth makes a big difference. The longer the simmer, the richer the taste!
Make It Your Own!
This Santa Fe Soup Recipe is more of a template than a strict set of rules. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients, spice levels, and toppings to create a version that your family will love. Cooking should be fun, not stressful! Remember, the best recipes are the ones you make your own. Happy cooking, friends!