Free Mexican Recipes

Mexican Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups cubed smoked ham steaks
1 lb pinto beans
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
8 cups fat free chicken broth
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chopped onions
2 cups water
1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
2 chipotle chiles in adobo, diced
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
3 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

Preparation:

Sort and wash the pinto beans and place them in large heavy pot, covering them with water (about 2 inches above the beans). Bring to a boil and cook for about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for about 1 hour. Drain. Combine the beans, chicken broth, water, ham steaks, garlic, onions, cumin, oregano, chili powder and bay leaves in the large heavy pan and bring to a boil. Partially cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours (or until the beans are tender). Stir in the diced tomatoes, chilies and liquid smoke (if using). Simmer for about 1 hour. Discard the bay leaves and serve by ladling the soup into bowls and topping with 1 tablespoon cilantro and 1 tablespoon cheese.