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MazDee

Apr 23, 2005, 8:36 PM

Post #1 of 11 (2654 views)

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Tarascan Bean Soup

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When I was in Patzcuaro last fall, I ate the Tarascan bean soup at the Hotel Gran many times. It was so delicious! I couldn't tell if it had any beans in it (maybe bean broth? it was quite rich), but it was wonderful. The recipes I have found for Tarascan soup usually don't call for beans at all. Does anyone have a good recipe for this great soup? I would almost bet Esperanza does. Thanks.

jennifer rose

Apr 23, 2005, 9:00 PM

Post #2 of 11 (2646 views)

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Re: [Diane Hulen] Tarascan Bean Soup

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Rafael Garcia, who owns the Restaurant Don Rafa, is credited with inventing Sopa Tarasca, insisting it's supposed to be bean-free. Diana Kennedy would disagree. I consider the soup something that was simply made out of whatever a kitchen might have on hand.

At http://www.ccu.umich.mx/cultura/cocina/sopas9.html and http://turismomichoacan.gob.mx/productos/sopa_tarasca.htm are two bean-free recipes. When I make it, I omit the oil and use at least a spoonful of pureed beans. Others add different spices and herbs, something varying the cheese.

MazDee

Apr 23, 2005, 9:39 PM

Post #3 of 11 (2640 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Tarascan Bean Soup

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I couldn't get either link to work. But if the "real" tarascan soup is bean free, guess I should try it. But, at the Gran do they put beans in the Tarascan bean soup?

MazDee

Apr 23, 2005, 10:10 PM

Post #4 of 11 (2639 views)

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Re: [Diane Hulen] Tarascan Bean Soup

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Yes, the recipe finally did come up. Thanks, I will try it.

esperanza

Apr 23, 2005, 10:22 PM

Post #5 of 11 (2638 views)

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Re: [Diane Hulen] Tarascan Bean Soup

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As JR said, some recipes call for pureed beans and others do not. My old friend Don Rafa does claim to be the creator of the original recipe, which he hand-wrote for me last year after I promised not to divulge the full recipe. It does not include beans in the ingredients list; a flour roux is the thickener.

Diana Kennedy offers two recipes, only one of which is thickened. I actually prefer (and frequently prepare) the non-thickened version that's on page 115 of The Art of Mexican Cooking.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

(This post was edited by esperanza on Apr 23, 2005, 10:23 PM)

MazDee

Apr 23, 2005, 10:56 PM

Post #6 of 11 (2637 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Tarascan Bean Soup

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Thank you, Esperanza and Jennifer. I think I will try Diana Kennedy's version first, then go from there. Sure wish I could get the recipe from Hotel Gran!

jennifer rose

May 28, 2005, 6:38 AM

Post #7 of 11 (2608 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Tarascan Bean Soup

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Yesterday Sopa Tarasca was on the menu at my regular lunch place, and since the Chef was back from his vacation in San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato, I questioned him about the contents of the soup. Without beans, Sopa Tarasca is simply Sopa de Tortilla, he insisted. "Anyone who thinks Sopa Tarasca can be made without beans is confused," he declared.

MazDee

May 29, 2005, 1:24 AM

Post #8 of 11 (2588 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Tarascan Bean Soup

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So, go figure! Beans or no beans.. it is a delicious soup. I made Diana Kennedy's, but couldn't find the p 115 that Esperanza referred to, in fact only found one version, the one with beans. That's ok, it was pretty good. I will just have to return to the beautiful state of Morelia to have it again! Do you think if I wrote to Bon Appetit they would get that recipe? Dee

esperanza

May 30, 2005, 7:26 AM

Post #9 of 11 (2559 views)

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Re: [MazDee] Tarascan Bean Soup

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The beanless recipe is on page 115 of The Art of Mexican Cooking.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

MazDee

May 31, 2005, 11:29 AM

Post #10 of 11 (2529 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Tarascan Bean Soup

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No wonder I couldn't find it, wrong book. Thought I had that one, but I don't. Only The Essential Cuisines and the old Cuisines. One recipe, with beans. Thanks anyway. D

Carron

Jun 3, 2005, 5:38 AM

Post #11 of 11 (2501 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Tarascan Bean Soup

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In one of Rick Bayless' early cookbooks he clearly states that Sopa de Tortillas, Sopa Tarasca, and Sopa Azteca are all just different regional names for the same soup. I don't think so!
But then maybe he doesn't soup at the same places I do.