The Perfect Munchupa Soup for a Cold Winter Day

Encased in a cozy blanket on a cold winter’s day, there’s nothing quite like a hot and hearty bowl of Munchupa Soup. Resplendent with the savory aroma of classic Latin flavors, this traditional fava bean soup is sure to have you licking the bowl clean.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried fava beans

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 large carrot, peeled and diced

  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped

  • 1 can (14-ounce) diced tomatoes

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable stock

  • 1 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 handful fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Method:

  1. Soak the fava beans in a bowl of cold water overnight.

  2. Drain and rinse the beans and set aside.

  3. In a large pot over medium-high heat, sauté the onion in the olive oil until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

  4. Add the garlic, carrot, bell pepper and tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and golden, about 10 minutes.

  5. Stir in the cumin, red wine vinegar, vegetable stock, paprika, salt and pepper. Add the diced tomato, bringing the soup to a boil.

  6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender, about 45 minutes.

  7. Add the cilantro and lime juice and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.

  8. Serve the Munchupa Soup hot with a sprinkle of cilantro leaves.

Munchupa Soup is a classic Latin American dish that combines dried fava beans, hearty vegetables, savory spices and a burst of citrus flavor. Traditionally, it’s made with beef stock and chorizo, but this lighter take on the recipe brings out the subtle complexity of the beans and vegetables. With its bold and comforting flavors, this soup will definitely be making an appearance on our cold-weather table again soon!

Try serving Munchupa Soup with a crusty loaf of bread and some freshly grated cheese for the perfect winter meal. If you’re looking for a more hearty version, try adding in some cooked chorizo, chopped chicken or pork to satisfy your carnivorous cravings. And, if you’re short on time, consider making a batch of this soup to freeze for later – perfect for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking.