Beef and Rice Soup, Mexican Style
This recipe brings a unique twist to hearty beef and rice soup by infusing Mexican-inspired ingredients like orange zest, raisins, and even a hint of chocolate. While the list of ingredients may look long, this soup comes together seamlessly when prepared step-by-step. With rich and complex layers of flavor, it’s a dish that tastes refreshingly vibrant—perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Value per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp | Calories: 120, Fat: 14g |
| Stewing beef | 1 lb | Calories: 278, Protein: 25g, Fat: 20g |
| Red wine | 2/3 cup | Calories: 107, Carbs: 4g |
| Onion, diced | 1 large | Calories: 44, Carbs: 10g |
| Green bell pepper, diced | 1 medium | Calories: 24, Carbs: 6g |
| Red chili pepper, chopped | 1 | Calories: 18, Carbs: 3g |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 – 4 | Calories: 18, Carbs: 4g |
| Carrot, sliced | 1 large | Calories: 30, Carbs: 7g |
| Ground coriander | 1/4 tsp | Negligible |
| Ground cumin | 1/4 tsp | Negligible |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/8 tsp | Negligible |
| Dried oregano | 1/4 tsp | Negligible |
| Bay leaf | 1 | Negligible |
| Orange zest | Zest of 1 | Negligible |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 1/2 can (14 oz) | Calories: 30, Carbs: 6g |
| Long grain white rice | 1 cup | Calories: 160, Carbs: 35g |
| Raisins | 1/4 cup | Calories: 108, Carbs: 26g, Sugars: 22g |
| Dark chocolate (70% cocoa) | 3 squares | Calories: 60, Fat: 5g |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | 1/2 cup | Calories: 2 |
Total Nutrition per Serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 572.1 kcal |
| Fat | 35.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 77 mg |
| Sodium | 1995 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 33.4 g |
| Fiber | 4.1 g |
| Sugars | 13.3 g |
| Protein | 25.6 g |
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sear the Beef: Begin by heating half the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the stewing beef pieces and cook until they’re well-browned on all sides, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Browning helps lock in flavor, so aim for a nice caramelized exterior. |
| 2 | Deglaze with Wine: Remove the pot from the heat briefly and pour in the red wine. Allow the wine to deglaze the pan, lifting any browned bits from the bottom. Transfer the beef and wine mixture to a bowl and set it aside. This step not only deepens the flavor but ensures no tasty morsel goes to waste. |
| 3 | Sauté the Vegetables: Return the soup pot to the heat, adding the remaining olive oil. Let the oil warm up for a minute. Add the diced onion and cover the pot, allowing the onion to soften for 3 minutes. This helps the onion release its sweetness into the soup. |
| 4 | Add More Veggies: Add the diced green bell pepper, chopped red chili pepper, minced garlic, and sliced carrot. Stir well and cover, cooking for another 3 minutes. This allows the flavors of the peppers and carrot to meld with the softened onion. |
| 5 | Incorporate Spices and Zest: Add the ground coriander, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, dried oregano, bay leaf, and orange zest to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables with the aromatic spices, which release their oils and aromas as they warm. This blend of spices brings out the Mexican-inspired essence of the soup. |
| 6 | Build the Soup Base: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with any juices, and return the beef and wine mixture to the pot. Add enough water to cover all ingredients by about an inch. Raise the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the beef to tenderize and the flavors to meld beautifully. |
| 7 | Add Rice, Raisins, and Chocolate: After an hour, it’s time to add the long-grain white rice, raisins, and dark chocolate squares. Stir them into the soup, and raise the heat slightly if necessary to maintain a low simmer. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the rice is fully tender and the soup has thickened slightly. The chocolate adds a subtle depth without overpowering the other flavors, and the raisins provide a hint of sweetness that balances the savory spices. |
| 8 | Finish with Fresh Cilantro: Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste the soup for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as desired. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, which adds a final burst of brightness and color. Enjoy this unique and comforting Mexican-inspired soup warm. |
This Beef and Rice Soup, with its wonderful complexity and unique flavor, brings together the best of comforting warmth and vibrant tastes. The chocolate, raisins, and orange zest work harmoniously, while the aromatic spices, tender beef, and fluffy rice make this a well-rounded, delightful meal.
