Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant Caribbean islands! This Red Bean Soup with Beef and Pumpkin is not just a meal, it's an experience that combines hearty, rich flavors with a soul-warming tradition. Imagine a bowl filled with tender beef, creamy red beans, and sweet pumpkin chunks that will make your family beg for seconds – this recipe is about to become your new comfort food obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup red beans, soaked overnight
- 1 lb beef, cubed
- 1 cup pumpkin, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Drain the red beans that have been soaked overnight and rinse thoroughly under cold water.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches, ensuring each piece develops a rich golden-brown crust. Remove browned beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Return the browned beef to the pot, then add the soaked red beans, beef broth, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer the soup for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the beans begin to soften and the beef becomes tender.
- Add the cubed pumpkin to the pot and continue cooking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the pumpkin is soft but not disintegrating.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more beef broth to reach desired consistency.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped green onions.
Tips
- Soaking beans overnight is crucial – it reduces cooking time and helps eliminate digestive discomfort.
- For maximum flavor, brown the beef in batches and don't rush this step. The golden crust develops deep, rich flavors.
- Use fresh thyme if possible, as it will elevate the entire dish's aromatic profile.
- Control the soup's consistency by adding beef broth gradually – some prefer it thicker, others more broth-like.
- The key to tender beef is low and slow cooking, so resist the temptation to increase the heat.
- Garnish with fresh green onions just before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich soup.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
