Heart-Healthy Authentic Charro Beans
Experience the vibrant, soul-warming taste of Heart-Healthy Authentic Charro Beans—an irresistible classic reimagined for health-conscious food lovers. Packed with fiber-rich dried pinto beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika, this recipe delivers bold, authentic flavors in a wholesome package. Simmered to perfection in low-sodium vegetable broth, each spoonful offers creamy textures and smoky depths, complemented by the refreshing zest of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Enjoy this hearty dish as a stand-alone meal or pair it with whole-grain tortillas or brown rice for a truly satisfying experience. With easy-to-follow steps and heart-friendly ingredients, these charro beans are perfect for a nourishing lunch or dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, chopped yellow onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 seeded and chopped jalapeño pepper
- 2 medium, chopped tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.25 cup, chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 sliced, for garnish (optional) avocado
Instructions
Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly under cold water, then place them in a large bowl. Cover with water and soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Set them aside.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, and sauté for about 5 minutes until it's translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and chopped jalapeño pepper, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer.
Add the soaked and drained beans, bay leaves, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, and sea salt to the pot.
Stir well, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let the beans simmer gently for about 90-120 minutes, or until the beans are tender and creamy.
If the mixture becomes too thick, add a bit more broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Once the beans are cooked, remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve the charro beans hot, garnished with sliced avocado if desired, and enjoy with whole-grain tortillas or brown rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1001 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.5 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2584 mg | 112% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 141.8 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 40.6 g | 145% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.5 g | ||
| Protein | 37.9 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 329 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 11.8 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 3450 mg | 73% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
