Craving a burst of flavor that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico? Look no further than Ramon's Mexican Vegetable Soup - a mouthwatering, nutrient-packed dish that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine! This incredibly easy-to-make soup combines fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and bold spices that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a vegetarian, a health enthusiast, or simply someone who loves delicious comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that's both satisfying and incredibly nutritious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing and dicing zucchini, yellow squash, and chopping onion. Mince garlic cloves finely.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Incorporate diced zucchini and yellow squash into the pot, stirring to combine with onions and garlic.
- Sprinkle cumin and chili powder over the vegetables, stirring to evenly distribute the spices.
- Pour in vegetable broth, ensuring all vegetables are fully submerged.
- Add drained black beans and corn to the pot, stirring gently to mix ingredients.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.
Tips
- Vegetable Preparation: Dice your zucchini and yellow squash into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Spice Optimization: Toast your cumin and chili powder in the pot with the onions and garlic for about 30 seconds before adding other ingredients. This technique helps release deeper, more complex flavors.
- Broth Selection: Use a high-quality vegetable broth for the best taste. If possible, choose low-sodium options so you can control the salt level.
- Freshness Matters: Add fresh cilantro just before serving to maintain its bright flavor and vibrant color.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and meld overnight.
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or swap black beans for kidney beans to make the recipe your own.
- Garnish Generously: Consider additional toppings like diced avocado, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to elevate the soup's flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
