Arizona Mountain Soup | Arizona Mountain Soup Recipes | Arizona Mountain Soup Recipe

Rinse beans in 5 quart kettle. Combine beans and 3 cups water. Cover. Let stand overnight (or, bring to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer 2 minutes. Let stand 1 hour). Do not drain. Simmer, covered, 2 hours or until beans are tender. Drain reserving 2 cups liquid. In Dutch oven cook bacon until almost crisp. Add onions and garlic. Cook and stir until vegetables are tender but not brown. Stir in the cooked pinto beans, tomatoes, rice, salt, paprika and pepper. Add reserved bean liquid and 2 cups water. Add meat if desired. Bring mixture to boiling. Cover and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If soup is too thick, add water. Serves 8.