Low Fat Frijoles de la Olla
Discover the comforting simplicity of **Low Fat Frijoles de la Olla**, a traditional Mexican dish made with wholesome ingredients and a lighter touch. This recipe transforms a humble pot of dried pinto beans into a fragrant and hearty meal, infused with subtle notes of garlic, bay leaf, and fresh cilantro. Prepared with just a drizzle of olive oil, it's perfect for those seeking a low-fat, healthy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With minimal prep time and a hands-off simmering process, this dish delivers perfectly tender beans ideal for serving alongside rice, in tacos, or as a satisfying soup. Whether you're embracing a plant-based lifestyle or looking for a nourishing side dish, these **healthy Mexican beans** are a must-try recipe packed with simplicity and tradition.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 10 cups water
- 1 medium white onion
- 3 units garlic cloves
- 1 unit bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
Instructions
Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Place the beans in a large pot and cover with 10 cups of water.
Chop the white onion in half and add it to the pot.
Peel and smash the garlic cloves, then add them to the pot along with the bay leaf.
Drizzle the olive oil into the pot to add a touch of flavor and creaminess.
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat.
Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar.
Simmer the beans gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom.
Check the beans for doneness after 1.5 hours. The beans should be tender and fully cooked. If they are still firm, continue cooking and check every 15 minutes.
Once the beans are cooked, add the salt to the pot and stir well to incorporate.
Remove the pot from heat and let the beans sit for 10 minutes to absorb the salt.
Remove the onion halves, garlic cloves, and bay leaf from the pot.
Finely chop the fresh cilantro and sprinkle it over the beans before serving.
Serve the frijoles de la olla in bowls, optionally garnishing with additional cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
968 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.3 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.0 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5876 mg | 255% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 133.2 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 44.0 g | 157% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.4 g | ||
| Protein | 43.6 g | 87% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 431 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 11.8 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 2417 mg | 51% | |
*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.
