seasoned pinto beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best seasoned pinto beans recipe

I’ve been making seasoned pinto beans for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress. It’s a classic dish that originated in the Southern United States, where pinto beans were a staple crop. The dish is characterized by its rich, earthy flavor and tender texture.

To make it, you’ll need to start by soaking dried pinto beans overnight, then cooking them in a flavorful broth with aromatics like onion, garlic, and bell pepper. The key to this recipe is the seasoning blend, which typically includes ingredients like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. These spices give the dish its distinctive flavor and aroma.

I love serving this recipe at family gatherings and potlucks, where it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My kids adore it too – they can’t get enough of the creamy texture and deep flavor. It’s a perfect recipe for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or just need a hearty meal for your family.

Plus, it’s incredibly healthy – pinto beans are packed with fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed! As for me, I’ve been making this recipe for so long now that it feels like an old friend – one that never fails to satisfy my cravings.

And with its long shelf life and versatility in terms of serving options, it’s also a great addition to your meal prep routine.

Seasoned Pinto Beans

4.6 from 1860 votes

These seasoned pinto beans are slowly simmered with aromatic vegetables and spices, resulting in a rich, savory side dish. They are perfect for serving alongside rice, cornbread, or as a filling for tacos and burritos.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 45 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 220 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beans

1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed and picked over
8 cups water
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the rinsed pinto beans in a large pot and cover with 8 cups of water.
2Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until they are just tender when bitten.
3While the beans simmer, heat the vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
4Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
5Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
6Stir the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper into the cooked onion mixture.
7Cook for 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant, then remove the skillet from the heat.
8Once the beans are tender, stir the seasoned onion mixture and salt into the pot.
9Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the beans to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens slightly and the beans are fully tender and creamy.
10Taste the beans and adjust the salt or other seasonings if desired.
11Serve the seasoned pinto beans hot, using a slotted spoon to transfer them to a serving dish if you prefer less liquid.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 220 kcal🧈Total Fat: 5g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 450mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

For a smoky flavor, add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce along with the spices. Soaking the beans overnight in water can reduce the cooking time by about 30 minutes.

Watch Video Of How Seasoned Pinto Beans Works

This seasoned pinto bean recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or just need a hearty meal for your family.

One of the best things about this recipe is its storage potential – once cooked and cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

When reheating leftovers, feel free to add some extra broth or water if they’ve thickened up too much during storage.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Seasoned Pinto Beans

What is the best type of pinto bean to use in this recipe?

The best type of pinto bean to use in this recipe is the dried variety. You can find them at most grocery stores or online.

Can I use canned pinto beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned pinto beans as a substitute for dried beans. However, keep in mind that canned beans may have added salt and preservatives.

How do I soak dried pinto beans?

To soak dried pinto beans overnight, simply rinse them thoroughly and then place them in a large container or bowl with enough water to cover them by several inches.

What if I forget to soak the beans?

No worries! If you forget to soak the beans overnight, you can quick-soak them by placing them in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

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