Description
Pinto Bean and Rice Soup is a hearty, budget-friendly soup made with tender pinto beans, rice, and warm spices. This comforting one-pot meal is filling, nutritious, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, featuring a blend of cumin, smoked paprika, and optional chili powder for a flavorful Southwestern-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white or brown rice
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, optional
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion: Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and optional chili powder. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add main ingredients: Add rinsed pinto beans, uncooked rice, broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
- Simmer soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish seasoning: Stir in lime juice if using, and adjust seasoning to taste with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Notes
- Brown rice may require additional cooking time and extra broth to fully soften.
- This soup thickens as it sits; add more broth or water when reheating to reach desired consistency.
- For additional protein, consider adding cooked chicken or sausage to the soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
