My Best Pinto Beans
Discover the ultimate comfort food with "My Best Pinto Beans," a flavorful and hearty recipe perfect for any occasion. Made with tender, perfectly simmered dried pinto beans, this dish boasts layers of smoky, earthy flavors from ingredients like smoked paprika, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Sautéed onions and garlic infuse the beans with a rich depth of flavor, while a hint of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime brighten the dish to perfection. This easy, one-pot recipe is ideal for meal prep, serving as a wholesome side or a protein-packed main dish. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, these homemade pinto beans are far superior to anything canned. Whether you're hosting a Tex-Mex feast or seeking a versatile vegan option, these savory beans deliver big on taste and nutrition.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
- 4 wedges lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly under cold water, removing any debris or broken beans.
Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before proceeding.
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the drained beans to the pot along with 6 cups of fresh water and the bay leaf. Bring the pot to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer, uncovered, for about 90-120 minutes. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.
After the beans are tender, stir in the salt and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh kick.
Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
808 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.3 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3247 mg | 141% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 103.5 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.7 g | 124% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.9 g | ||
| Protein | 34.0 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 322 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 10.7 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 1751 mg | 37% | |
*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.
