Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Soup
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Ultimate comfort food with bold pepper flavor and smoky depth
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Vegetarian-friendly & nutritious, packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins
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One-pot simplicity — easy to prep and even easier to enjoy
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Viral soup trends — visually appealing, cozy, and wholesome
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Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or freezing for later
Ingredients
Serves: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes
Soup Base
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium yellow onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ cups roasted Hatch green chiles, chopped (fresh, frozen, or canned)
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Beans & Broth
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3 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
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2 (15-oz) cans white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
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1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional for tomato note)
Creamy Finish
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1 cup unsweetened plain yogurt or sour cream (dairy or plant-based)
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Juice of 1 lime
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2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional Garnishes
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Fresh cilantro leaves
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A swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt
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Tortilla strips or chips
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Sliced avocado, green onion, or lime wedges
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Prepare the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Chiles and Broth
Stir in chopped Hatch green chiles and cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen their flavor. Pour in vegetable broth, scraping up brown bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Beans & Optional Tomatoes
Add white beans and diced tomatoes (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Blend or Keep Chunky
For a smoother texture, partially blend the soup using an immersion blender, or transfer a few cups to a blender and return to pot. Keep some beans whole for texture.
Finish with Creaminess & Brightness
Stir in yogurt or sour cream, and lime juice. Warm through without boiling. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime as desired.
Serve & Garnish
Ladle soup into bowls. Top with cilantro, a swirl of yogurt or sour cream, tortilla strips, and avocado. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Tips and Variations
Vegetarian & Vegan Modifications
Use dairy-free yogurt or omit and add extra beans or avocado for creaminess.
Control the Heat
Remove chile seeds for milder flavor or add extra Hatch chiles or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Add Veggie Boosters
Stir in corn kernels, diced bell peppers, or shredded zucchini toward the end of cooking.
Bulk Up Protein
Add cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, or cubed tofu in the final simmer for added richness.
Freeze & Meal Prep
Cool thoroughly before freezing in portion-safe containers. Thaw and reheat on the stove or microwave.
What to Serve with This Soup
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Warm cornbread or garlic bread
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Tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa
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Mexican street corn salad or crisp green salad
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Rice bowls topped with soup and fresh cilantro
Nutrition Snapshot (Approximate per serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
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Calories | ~310 kcal |
Protein | 13 g |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Fiber | 12 g |
Total Fat | 10 g |
Saturated Fat | 2 g |
Sodium | ~520 mg |
Vitamin C | 25% DV |
Approximate values based on standard ingredients and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this soup spicy?
It has a medium, smoky spice from Hatch chiles. Adjust heat by using mild chiles or adding jalapeños for more kick.
Can I use canned chiles instead?
Yes—drained canned fire-roasted or Hatch chiles make the soup quick and easy year-round.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure broth and optional garnishes are gluten-free certified.
Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It freezes well for up to 3 months and reheats beautifully.
How can I make it creamier?
Blend a portion of the soup, stir in more yogurt or top with avocado for added richness.
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Rich visuals: vibrant green hues, creamy texture, colorful garnishes
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Health-forward and comforting—hits wellness & comfort trends
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Simple, one-pot prep—perfect for easy weeknight meals
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Customizable & packable for meal prep fans
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Perfect for social sharing—quick, hearty, and visually appealing
Chef Opera’s Final Words
This Hatch Green Chili Soup with Beans is one of my favorite cozy dishes — bold, satisfying, and full of plant-powered goodness. It warms from the inside out and keeps well for busy weeks. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying solo with leftovers!
Make it tonight, and don’t forget to tag your bowls with #HatchChileSoup and @ChefOpera — I love seeing your creations!