authentic pinto bean mexican recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best authentic pinto bean mexican recipe

I’ve been cooking up a storm in my kitchen lately, and one of my favorite dishes to make is authentic pinto bean Mexican recipe. This hearty, comforting dish is a staple in many Mexican households, and for good reason – it’s incredibly flavorful and filling. The key to making a great pinto bean recipe is to use dried pinto beans, which are simmered in a rich broth with aromatic spices and vegetables.

The result is a dish that’s both nourishing and delicious, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. I love serving this recipe to my family, who all agree that it’s one of the best Mexican dishes I make. My kids devour the tender beans and flavorful broth, and my husband always asks for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!)

As for me, I appreciate how easy it is to make – just soak the beans overnight, then let them simmer all day in the slow cooker. It’s a low-maintenance recipe that yields big rewards. One of the best things about pinto bean Mexican recipe is its health benefits.

Pinto beans are packed with fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. Plus, this recipe uses plenty of vegetables like onions and garlic to add flavor without adding extra calories. And with its rich broth made from vegetable or chicken stock, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family.

Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. Serve it as a main course with some warm tortillas or as a side dish at your next family gathering – either way, it’s sure to be a hit. And don’t even get me started on leftovers – this dish reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, so you can enjoy it all week long.

Authentic Mexican Pinto Beans

4.5 from 657 votes

This traditional Mexican recipe features pinto beans slowly simmered with aromatic spices, creating a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with rice and tortillas. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time2 hrs 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hrs 40 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 250 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb dried pinto beans
6 cups water
1 large onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, peeled
1 jalapeño pepper, halved
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and pick out any debris.
2Add the beans to a large pot and cover with 6 cups of water.
3Bring to a boil over high heat.
4Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.
5After 10 minutes, remove from heat and let the beans soak in the hot water for 1 hour.
6This helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
7Drain the beans and return them to the pot.
8Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño to the pot with the beans.
9Cover with fresh water, ensuring the beans are fully submerged.
10Bring the pot to a boil over high heat.
11Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, add the salt, black pepper, oregano, and bay leaf.
12Simmer the beans for 1.
5 hours, stirring occasionally.
13The beans should start to soften and the skin may start to fall off.
14While the beans are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
15Add the cumin and chili powder, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
16Be careful not to burn the spices.
17After the beans have simmered for 1.
5 hours, remove the bay leaf and discard.
18Stir in the spiced oil mixture.
19Continue to simmer the beans for an additional 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded.
20If the beans start to look dry, add a little more water.
21Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
22Serve the pinto beans hot with rice and warm tortillas.
23Enjoy your authentic Mexican pinto beans.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 250 kcal🧈Total Fat: 5g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 500mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoky flavor, you can add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the pot while simmering the beans. If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time to 30 minutes and adjust the liquid accordingly.

Watch Video Of How Authentic Mexican Pinto Beans Works

Pinto beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. This recipe is perfect for a family gathering or a weekday meal and is easy to make.

If you have leftover beans, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3-4 months. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until heated through.

For added flavor, you can add a bit of water or broth to the beans before reheating. Serve the beans with rice, tortillas, and your favorite toppings.

This recipe is a great way to incorporate more plant-based protein into your diet, and it is a delicious and nutritious option for the whole family. For any occasion you can use this recipe as it is versatile and easy, and it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Pinto Beans

What type of beans should I use for this recipe?

For authentic pinto bean Mexican recipe, you’ll want to use dried pinto beans. You can find these at most grocery stores or online at specialty food stores.

How do I soak the beans overnight?

Simply rinse the dried pinto beans and place them in a large bowl or container. Cover them with water and let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

No, for authentic pinto bean Mexican recipe, it’s best to use dried beans. Canned beans can be too soft and lacking in flavor.

What kind of broth should I use for this recipe?

You can use either vegetable or chicken stock for this recipe. If you want to keep things vegetarian or vegan-friendly, use vegetable stock.

How long does it take to cook the beans?

The cooking time will depend on whether you’re using fresh or dried pinto beans. If using fresh beans, cook them according to package instructions. If using dried beans, they’ll typically take 6-8 hours to cook on low heat.

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