Looking for a delicious and versatile recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this perfect pinto beans recipe! Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a comforting dish, these beans are sure to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors that are savory and aromatic.
- Quick prep time with minimal hands-on effort.
- Perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed in various ways.
Ingredient Notes:
- Dried pinto beans: Soaking overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- Yellow onion and garlic: Infuse the beans with savory flavors.
- Bay leaves: Add a subtle aromatic note.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Enhances the richness of the dish.
- Kosher salt: Added towards the end to prevent tough skins.
- Water: Used to cook the beans and should be added as needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Soak the beans: Place the pinto beans in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for a few hours or overnight to soften.
- Prepare the beans: Drain and rinse the beans, then transfer them to a Dutch oven with fresh water to cover.
- Add flavor: Stir in the onion, garlic, bay leaves, and olive oil.
- Cook the beans: Bring the mixture to a boil, skim off any foam, then simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours.
- Season and serve: Stir in salt towards the end, remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or cumin.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro for a creamy finish.
- To make a heartier meal, serve the beans over rice or with a side of cornbread.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a heavy pot to ensure even cooking and prevent scorching.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking.
- Taste the beans towards the end of cooking and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions:
These perfect pinto beans pair well with a side of fluffy rice, a crisp green salad, or some warm cornbread. For a complete meal, serve with your favorite protein or grilled vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, let the beans cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use canned pinto beans instead of dried? While you can use canned beans, dried beans offer a better texture and flavor.
- How can I add a kick of heat to the beans? Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño during cooking.
- Can I freeze the cooked beans? Yes, portion the beans into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
With its delicious flavors, easy preparation, and versatility, this perfect pinto beans recipe is a must-try for any bean lover. Give it a go, experiment with different seasonings, and make it your own. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy this comforting dish!
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Perfect Pinto Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Perfect Pinto Beans Recipe is a savory and aromatic dish that is perfect for a hearty meal. The beans are soaked overnight for better texture and cooked with onions, garlic, and bay leaves for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- Water as needed
Instructions
- Soak the beans: Place the pinto beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak for 8 to 24 hours.
- Drain and rinse: After soaking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.
- Cook the beans: Transfer the beans to a pot with water, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and olive oil. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1½ to 2 hours.
- Season: Stir in salt in the final 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Remove from heat, discard bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Soaking the beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.
- Do not add salt at the beginning to avoid tough skins; salt is added near the end of cooking.
- Keep beans covered with water during simmering to ensure even cooking and prevent drying.
- Leftover beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg