Taco Soup

The presentation of this easy, offbeat soup, which is like a taco turned inside out, is fun and dramatic. It’s perfect for a chilly weeknight meal. Adapted from Vegan Soups and Hearty Stews for All Seasons. Photo by Theresa Raffetto.

Serves: 6

• 1/2 cup raw bulgur or quinoa
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
• 4 cups cooked or canned pinto beans (from 1 1/2 cups raw beans
• or two 16-ounce cans, drained and rinsed)
• One 28-ounce can salt-free crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped mild green chilies, fresh or canned, optional
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, optional
• 1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Garnishes:

• 1 to 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar-style nondairy cheese (see Note)
• Thinly shredded romaine or green leaf lettuce
• Finely diced firm, ripe tomatoes (about 1 cup)
• Large triangular stone-ground tortilla chips

Bring 1 cup of  water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the grain and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.

Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the onion and sauté over medium heat until translucent. Add the garlic and bell pepper and continue to sauté, stirring frequently, until all are golden.

Add the remaining ingredients, except the garnishes, plus the cooked grain and 3 cups water. Bring to a rapid simmer, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove from the heat.

Assemble each serving as follows: Fill each bowl about 2/3 full with soup. Top with some grated cheese, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes. Line the perimeter of each bowl with several tortilla chips, points facing upward, for a kind of star-shaped effect. The tortilla chips can be used to scoop up the solid parts of the soup or just nibbled along with the soup. Pass around a bowl of extra tortilla chips.

NOTE: Daiya cheddar flavor or Vegan Gourmet nacho cheese are particularly good in this recipe.

• Here are more bean stews and chilies.
• Explore other delicious vegan soup recipes at Soulful Soups.