Bean And Rib Soup
A hearty and flavorful bean and pork rib soup, packed with tender ribs, creamy beans, and vibrant vegetables. Rich in spices and savory broth, this comforting dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, offering a warm, satisfying experience with each spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups dried pinto beans ⓘ
- 3 pounds pork ribs, cut up ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz) cans beef broth ⓘ
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon crushed oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 4 cups thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Sort, wash, and drain the dried pinto beans.
- Place the beans in a large Dutch oven and fill with water 2 inches above the beans.
- Bring the water to a boil and cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let soak for 1 hour. Drain and remove the beans.
- In the Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion; cook until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the pork ribs and cook until browned on all sides.
- Pour in the beef broth and water, then add chili powder, ground cumin, black pepper, crushed oregano, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour or until ribs are tender.
- Add the sliced carrots and drained corn to the soup.
- Continue simmering until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked beans and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try adding a few pieces of smoked sausage along with the pork ribs. If you want to reduce cooking time, consider using canned beans instead of dried; just add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also replace pinto beans with black beans for a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Bean and Rib Soup with crusty bread or cornbread on the side for a hearty meal. A fresh green salad can complement the rich flavors of the soup. This dish pairs beautifully with Lazy Day Cabbage Rolls for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean And Rib Soup contains roughly 1133 calories, with 70g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and protein (141% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1565mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the ribs and sautéing the garlic and onions, add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the ribs are tender and the flavors meld well.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add more heat, increase the chili powder or add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a kick. Consider incorporating some diced green chilies for an extra layer of flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! Substitute the pork ribs with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also add more beans or lentils for protein, ensuring the soup remains filling and satisfying without meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).