Description
Warm up with this tamale-inspired soup, packed with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and bold spices. Topped with soft and fluffy masa dumplings, this hearty, comforting dish is the perfect fusion of tamale flavors in a cozy bowl. A must-try for chilly nights!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup red enchilada sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Masa Dumplings:
- 1 cup masa harina (corn flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup warm water or broth
For Garnishing:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Shredded cheese
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Cook the Soup
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, stirring to coat the meat.
- Pour in black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, corn, broth, and enchilada sauce. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare the Masa Dumplings
- In a medium bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
- Add melted butter and warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms. If too dry, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Roll dough into small balls (about 1-inch in size).
3. Cook the Dumplings in the Soup
- Drop the masa dumplings into the simmering soup, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until dumplings are soft and cooked through.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Stir in lime juice, then ladle into bowls.
- Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, cheese, avocado, and lime wedges.
Notes
- Make it vegetarian! Swap ground beef for extra beans or lentils.
- Want it spicier? Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Masa too dry? Add more broth, 1 tablespoon at a time, until soft and pliable.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dumplings will absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Mexican-Inspired
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
