Papago Tepary Bean Soup
A hearty and flavorful bean soup featuring tender tepary beans, smoky bacon, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain soaked tepary beans and bring to a boil in a large pot.
- When tender, fry diced bacon until limp.
- Remove bacon and add chopped onion, sliced carrots, diced celery, and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Add bacon, tomatoes with juice, and spices; cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the cooked beans to the pot.
- Cook for another hour until beans are mealy-tender.
- Serve hot, optionally with flour tortillas or fresh frybread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor. If you can't find tepary beans, pintos or black beans work well. Ensure the beans are soaked for at least 4 hours to reduce cooking time. Adjust spices to taste; adding a pinch of cayenne can elevate the heat. This hearty soup can also be enhanced with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Papago Tepary Bean Soup hot, perhaps accompanied by warm flour tortillas or fresh frybread for a satisfying meal. A side salad with citrus dressing can brighten the dish. For a complete experience, consider pairing it with Bacon Custards for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Papago Tepary Bean Soup contains roughly 283 calories, with 11g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare this soup in a slow cooker. After frying the bacon and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker with the beans and water. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beans are tender.
How can I make the soup spicier?
To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. You can also incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed to achieve your desired spice level.
What can I do with leftover beans?
Leftover beans can be used in numerous ways! Consider adding them to salads, blending them into a dip, or using them in a delicious Ham And Potato Soup. They can also be mashed and used in tacos or burritos for added protein and flavor.
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).