Tarascan Bean Soup

History & Origin

Tarascan soup is one of the most representative dishes of Michoacán cuisine, named after the Purépecha people, formerly known as Tarascans. This soup has its roots in the lake region of Pátzcuaro, where beans and maize have been the dietary foundation for centuries. The original recipe is attributed to the traditional cooks of the lakeside villages of Lake Pátzcuaro, who combined the most abundant ingredients from their surroundings: beans, dried chiles and corn tortillas. Tarascan soup is distinguished from other bean soups by its velvety texture and depth of flavour, achieved through the use of ancho chile which contributes sweet and smoky notes. The base is prepared by frying onion and garlic, adding roasted tomato and hydrated ancho chile, then incorporating the cooked beans and blending everything until smooth. The final touches include tortilla strips fried until crispy, sour cream, crumbled fresh cheese and fried pasilla chile strips that add a crunchy, mildly spicy contrast. This dish forms part of the gastronomic heritage of Michoacán and has transcended state borders to become a favourite in traditional Mexican restaurants throughout the country.