Santa Fe Soup Recipe – A Spicy Kick To Try

by Julia
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August 9, 2023

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Welcome to the heart of flavor! Imagine a culinary adventure with our Santa Fe Soup, a dish where Southwest meets your kitchen. Zesty, hearty, and brimming with fresh ingredients, this soup transports you to New Mexico’s capital without leaving your home.

Experience a bowlful of comfort where corn, beans, and ground turkey intermingle in a rich tomato base. Revel in the dance of chili powder and cumin, adding a vibrant kick to every spoonful.

This crowd-pleaser recipe promises warmth, nourishment, and an unforgettable flavor journey. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, our Santa Fe Soup delights effortlessly. Rediscover the joy of cooking as each stir unfolds robust, tantalizing aromas.

So, grab your favorite ladle, and let’s bring Santa Fe to your stovetop. Indulge, savor, and journey – a culinary tour to Santa Fe is just a recipe away. Welcome to the journey of taste with our Santa Fe Soup.

What Is Santa Fe Soup?

Santa Fe Soup is a delectable, hearty dish packed with flavors. It typically includes ground turkey, onions, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and corn. The soup is seasoned with chili powder and cumin for a spicy kick.

All these ingredients are simmered together in a pot, creating a comforting, filling meal. It’s simple to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips for added crunch and creaminess. Enjoy this taste of Southwest right at home.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

Santa Fe Soup is a versatile recipe, and you can modify it to fit various dietary needs:

Keto: Omit the beans and corn, which are high in carbs. Add more low-carb veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, and use higher-fat meat like ground beef or pork.
Paleo: Similar to keto, omit the beans and corn. Replace them with additional veggies or even cubed sweet potatoes. Ensure the diced tomatoes and spices are paleo-approved.
Gluten-Free: The traditional Santa Fe Soup is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure all your canned goods, broths, and spices are certified gluten-free.
Whole30: Omit the beans and corn, as they aren’t Whole30-compliant. Add more veggies, and make sure to use Whole30-compliant broth and spices.
Vegetarian and Vegan: Omit the ground turkey and add extra beans for protein. For vegans, avoid using toppings like sour cream and cheese, or use vegan substitutes.

Recipe Directions

Brown the ground beef in a skillet, ensuring it’s fully cooked, then carefully drain excess fat.
Grab a spacious stockpot to combine all the ingredients, including the savory beef.
Allow the delectable mixture to simmer gently over low heat until the creamy cheese smoothly melts.
As the pot bubbles with goodness, the chopped onions will gradually soften to perfection.
Present this mouthwatering Santa Fe Soup piping hot, ready to delight your taste buds!

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

Swap ground beef for chicken, turkey, or tofu.
Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies.
Use different types of beans for variety.
Substitute canned tomatoes with fresh ones for a fresher taste.

Add-Ons

Serve with a side of cornbread or a fresh salad.
Add a dollop of guacamole or salsa for extra flavor.
Include a side of tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.

Toppings

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for a creamy finish.
Add a dollop of sour cream for a tangy touch.
Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for freshness.
Top with avocado slices for a creamy, healthy addition.
Include a handful of crispy tortilla strips for crunch.

Can I Make Santa Fe Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

The Santa Fe Soup r e cipe adapts well to slow cookers and Instant Pots.

Slow Cooker

Brown your ground beef in a skillet and drain off the fat.
Transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
Add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker.
Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Instant Pot

Use the sauté function on your Instant Pot to brown the ground beef. Drain off the fat.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Stir to combine.
Seal the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes of natural pressure release, physically release any leftover pressure.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Both store-bought and homemade broth work well in the Santa Fe Soup recipe.

The store-bought broth is an excellent option if you’re short on time or prefer convenience. Look for a high-quality, low-sodium variety to control the soup’s salt content.

If you prefer to make your broth, it can enhance the soup’s flavor. Homemade broth allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavor to your preference. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover bones and vegetable scraps.

Success Tips – Tips And Tricks For Making The Soup

Here are a few tips to help you make a mouthwatering Santa Fe soup

Prepping Tips

Pre-Chop Ingredients: Save time by chopping all your vegetables beforehand.
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices offer a stronger flavor.
Soak Beans: If using dry beans, soak them overnight to reduce cooking time.
Drain Fat: Don’t forget to drain the fat after browning meat to reduce excess grease.

Cooking Tips

Saute Veggies: Sauteing the onions and other vegetables before adding them to the soup can boost flavor.
Adjust Heat: Modify the amount of chili powder to suit your spice tolerance.
Stir Occasionally: Stir the soup occasionally during simmering to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pot.
Check Doneness: Test the vegetables to ensure they are cooked through before serving.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

How To Serve?

Serving the Santa Fe Soup recipe is all about personal preference, but here are a few suggestions for a delightful dining experience:

Bowl It: Serve the soup hot in a bowl. It’s traditionally a hearty soup, so it’s perfect.
Garnish: Top with your choice of garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or crispy tortilla strips. These add contrasting flavors and textures.
Side Dish: Pair the soup with cornbread, a cheese quesadilla, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Spice It Up: For those who love a kick, serve with hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
Serve with Lime: A wedge of lime on the side can be squeezed over the soup for added freshness.

Perfect Side Dishes

Cornbread: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread pairs wonderfully with the spicy, hearty soup.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can contrast the soup’s richness.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled or roasted vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet corn, add a healthy and delicious side.
Cheese Quesadilla: A simple cheese quesadilla can complement the soup’s flavors and add more substance.
Rice: A side of cilantro lime rice or Spanish rice can soak up the soup’s flavors and offer a satisfying texture.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips can be used to scoop up the soup, adding a pleasing contrast of textures.

Storage And Make Ahead

Make-Ahead: Prepare the soup base without adding toppings like tortilla strips, cheese, or avocado. This allows for easy storage and reheating. Make-ahead soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Storage: Store the cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other odors. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing: Freeze the soup in portion-sized containers, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add toppings just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
Adding Toppings: When ready to serve, garnish the reheated soup with fresh toppings like tortilla strips, shredded cheese, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a delicious finish.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Leftover Santa Fe Soup can be creatively repurposed:

Taco Filling: Use the soup as a hearty filling for tacos. Just drain off some liquid and add to your favorite taco shells.
Rice Topper: Heat the soup and serve it over steamed rice for a quick, easy meal.
Baked Potato Topper: Top a baked potato with the soup, adding a sprinkle of cheese and fresh cilantro.
Stuffed Peppers: Use the soup as a filling for bell peppers. Top with cheese and bake until tender.
Enchiladas: Use the soup as an enchilada filling. Roll in tortillas, top with enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake.
Pasta Sauce: Reduce the soup on the stove until thickened and serve over pasta.
Freeze for Later: If you can’t repurpose it immediately, freeze the soup for a later meal.

TIPS

Sauté Aromatics: Begin by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in olive oil until softened. This creates a flavorful base for your soup.
Layer Flavors with Spices: Add spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika to the sautéed vegetables. Toasting the spices briefly helps to release their flavors and aromas.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality beans to enhance the taste and texture of your soup.
Choose the Right Beans: Traditional Santa Fe Soup often includes black beans or pinto beans. If using canned beans, rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
Add Tomatoes: Incorporate diced tomatoes or tomato sauce to give the soup a rich and tangy flavor. Fire-roasted tomatoes can add a smoky depth to the dish.
Include Corn: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to Santa Fe Soup. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels.
Simmer Slowly: Allow the soup to simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps to soften any vegetables and beans.