Pinto Beans
Discover the soul-warming comfort of homemade pinto beans with this easy, flavor-packed recipe! Simmered to tender perfection, these beans are infused with the earthy richness of cumin, the smoky depth of paprika, and the subtle sweetness of sautéed onions and garlic. A touch of olive oil adds a luscious finish, while a bay leaf ties all the flavors together during the slow cooking process. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course, these pinto beans pair wonderfully with rice, tacos, or a slice of warm cornbread. With simple pantry staples, minimal prep time, and impressive versatility, this recipe is a staple you'll turn to time and time again. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added brightness, and enjoy a wholesome dish you'll love to share!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 8 cups water
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water and remove any debris or broken beans.
Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water by about 2 inches. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and paprika. Cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the soaked and drained pinto beans to the pot, followed by the water and bay leaf.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and creamy.
Once the beans are cooked, stir in the salt and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
Serve the pinto beans warm as a side dish, or enjoy them as a main course with rice, tacos, or cornbread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
143 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.0 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.8 g | 4% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 802 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.5 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.2 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 5.8 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 75 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 340 mg | 7% | |
*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.
