Arizona Mountain Soup
A hearty, flavorful bean and rice soup with smoky paprika and fresh tomatoes, perfect for comforting meals, especially suitable during Lent or for those seeking a nourishing vegetarian option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the pinto beans and combine with 3 cups water in a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Cover and let stand overnight.
- Drain the beans and add 5 1/2 cups fresh water.
- Simmer the beans, covered, for 1 hour.
- Cook chopped onions and garlic in oil until tender.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, brown rice, salt, paprika, and pepper.
- Add the onion and garlic mixture to the beans.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until rice and beans are tender and the soup is thick.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider soaking the pinto beans for several hours before cooking. If you’re short on time, you can use canned pinto beans instead; just reduce the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, try substituting brown rice with quinoa for a different texture or using vegetable broth instead of water for more depth. This soup can easily be made vegan by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Arizona Mountain Soup with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a refreshing touch. It pairs beautifully with grilled potato wedges or a side of cornbread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside Sam's Hot Dogs. This dish is versatile enough to be a main course or a satisfying side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Arizona Mountain Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the consistency. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arizona Mountain Soup contains roughly 505 calories, with 3g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other beans like black beans or kidney beans for pinto beans. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the type of bean you choose.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Arizona Mountain Soup stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. It’s perfect for meal prepping for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! After rinsing the beans, combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beans and rice are tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).