Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my favorite comfort food: Santa Fe Soup! This soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day, bursting with vibrant flavors and hearty goodness. Inspired by the rich culinary tradition of Santa Fe, it’s loaded with black beans, corn, and spices that dance on your taste buds. I remember the first time I tried it at a little café during a road trip, and I knew I had to recreate that deliciousness at home. Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen! Whether I’m hosting friends or just need a cozy night in, this soup always delivers. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again!

Ingredients for Santa Fe Soup

Gathering these ingredients is super easy, and they’re all packed with flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped (any color you love)
1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
1 can corn (15 oz), drained
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional, but it adds a lovely touch!)

These simple ingredients come together to create a comforting bowl of soup that you’ll crave again and again!

How to Prepare Santa Fe Soup

Preparing Santa Fe Soup is a breeze and so satisfying! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious pot of goodness in no time. Ready? Let’s do this!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This is where the magic begins, so let it warm up for a minute.
Next, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper. Sauté everything for about 5-7 minutes, or until the veggies are soft and fragrant. Oh, the aroma is heavenly!
Now, it’s time to add in the stars of the show! Stir in the drained black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Then, pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth – trust me, this is what makes it so hearty!
Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Give it a good stir to combine all those flavors. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This is when all those flavors meld together beautifully.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last stir, and it’s ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro for that extra pop of freshness.

And there you have it! A cozy, vibrant soup that warms your heart and soul. Enjoy every spoonful!

Why You’ll Love This Santa Fe Soup

Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
Hearty and full of flavor, it’s like a fiesta in a bowl!
Made with healthy ingredients that nourish your body and soul.
Completely vegan, so everyone can enjoy it without worry.
Great for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
Versatile – feel free to add your favorite toppings or proteins!

This soup is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that you’ll want to savor again and again!

Tips for Success

Here are my top tips to make your Santa Fe Soup absolutely perfect! First off, don’t be shy with the spices; feel free to adjust the chili powder and cumin to match your taste preferences. If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce! Next, for an extra layer of flavor, try toasting the spices in the olive oil for a minute before adding the vegetables—trust me, it makes a difference!

Also, consider serving your soup with crispy tortilla chips or a dollop of avocado for creaminess. And if you want to bulk it up, shredded cooked chicken or quinoa can make a fantastic addition. Enjoy experimenting!

Nutritional Information for Santa Fe Soup

Now, let’s talk about the goodness packed into each bowl of Santa Fe Soup! Each serving (about 1 cup) is estimated to contain:

Calories: 180
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 400mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they show just how nutritious and filling this soup can be! It’s a perfect blend of healthy ingredients that makes your body feel good while satisfying your taste buds.

FAQ About Santa Fe Soup

I know you might have a few questions about Santa Fe Soup, so let’s tackle some common ones!

Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some diced zucchini, carrots, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor. The beauty of this soup is its versatility!

How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop!

Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can! Make a big batch over the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. Just reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

What if I’m not vegan?
If you’re not following a vegan diet, you can absolutely add shredded chicken or beef for some extra protein. It’ll still be delicious!

Can I freeze Santa Fe Soup?
You sure can! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!

These tips should help you make the most of your delicious Santa Fe Soup experience!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Santa Fe Soup is super simple! Just let it cool down completely and then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—trust me, it gets even tastier as the flavors meld together!

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit thick, just add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely to avoid splatters. Enjoy every warm, comforting spoonful!