Ingredients

Bean Preparation

• 1 kg dried pinto beans (sugar beans)
• ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• Warm water (for soaking)
• Fresh water (for boiling)
• 2 liters vegetable stock

Soup Base

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large red onions, finely chopped
• 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon freshly crushed black peppercorns
• 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• Additional water as needed

White Sauce

• 2 tablespoons vegan butter (or regular butter if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons cake flour
• 2 cups milk (plant-based milk recommended)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Finish

• 1½ cups frozen peas
• Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish (optional)

Method

Step 1: Soak the Beans

1. Place the 1 kg pinto beans in a large bowl.
2. Cover completely with warm water.
3. Add ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda.
4. Soak:
   • Overnight (preferred), or
   • Minimum of 5 hours.

Step 2: Rinse and First Boil

1. Drain the soaking water.
2. Rinse the beans thoroughly under warm running water.
3. Place beans into a large pot and cover with fresh water.
4. Bring to the boil.
5. Boil for 30 minutes.
6. Drain and discard this cooking water.

This step helps produce a cleaner flavor and improves digestibility.

Step 3: Cook the Beans

1. Return beans to the pot.
2. Add:
   • Fresh water
   • Vegetable stock
3. Simmer until the beans are soft and creamy.

Step 4: Prepare the Vegetable Base

Heat olive oil in a frying pan.

Add:

• Red onions
• Cook until soft and translucent.

Add:

• Ground cumin
• Freshly crushed black pepper
• Salt

Stir for about 1 minute.

Add:

• Chopped carrots

Cook for another 5–7 minutes, allowing the carrots to soften slightly.

Transfer this onion mixture into the cooked beans.

Add additional water if required and bring back to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Make the White Sauce

In a saucepan:

1. Melt the butter.
2. Add the flour.
3. Stir continuously to make a smooth roux.
4. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously.
5. Cook until a smooth, medium-thick sauce forms.

Season with:

• Salt
• Nutmeg
• Onion powder

Bring to a light simmer.

Step 6: Finish the Soup

To the bean soup add:

• Cayenne pepper

Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.

Slowly pour in the prepared white sauce while stirring continuously.

Mix well until completely incorporated.

Add:

• Frozen peas

Simmer gently for 5–8 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• Fresh wholewheat bread
• Toasted sourdough
• Homemade bread rolls
• Garlic bread
• Fresh garden salad

Garnish with chopped fresh coriander or parsley and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.