PINTO BEAN SOUP WITH SALSA FRESCA

Pinto Bean Soup with Salsa Fresca image

Provided by Food Network

Time 3h20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 plum tomatoes, cored, seeded and diced
1/2 small red onion, finely diced
1 bunch cilantro, leaves only, chopped
Juice of 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups dried pinto beans
7 cups water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 medium onions, diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken stock, vegetable stock or water
1/3 cup sour cream or creme fraiche, for garnish

Steps:

To make the salsa, mix all the ingredients together in a glass bowl. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and reserve, covered, in the refrigerator.
Place the beans and water in a soup pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, until the beans are soft, about 1 1/2 hours. Remove from the heat.
In a large, heavy saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Cook the onions, salt and pepper together, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Add garlic and cook for a few minutes longer. Add the beans and their liquid, and the chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree in batches until smooth. Keep warm in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently, until ready to serve. Serve in warm soup bowls with a spoonful of the salsa fresca and a dollop of sour cream.