Western Style Beans
Savor the heartwarming flavors of "Western Style Beans," a robust dish brimming with smoky, savory, and slightly sweet undertones. This recipe combines tender, slow-simmered pinto beans with crispy bacon, aromatic onions, and garlic, all infused with the bold spices of smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. A touch of maple syrup and apple cider vinegar adds a delightful depth, while tomato paste and chicken broth create a rich, velvety base. Perfect for a comforting dinner or a side dish at your next barbecue, this crowd-pleaser is both satisfying and nutrient-packed. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lime for a flavorful, rustic experience that celebrates hearty, home-style cooking at its best.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry pinto beans
- 5 slices bacon
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and pick out any debris. Place the beans in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight (or for at least 8 hours).
Drain the soaked beans and set them aside.
Cut the bacon into small pieces. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add the onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices and develop their flavors.
Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot, along with the chicken broth, water, bay leaf, and cooked bacon pieces. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer the beans for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender. Add more water if necessary to keep the beans submerged during cooking.
Once the beans are tender, stir in the maple syrup and apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the Western Style Beans hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lime, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1890 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.2 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.0 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 5417 mg | 236% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 315.9 g | 115% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 69.5 g | 248% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.7 g | ||
| Protein | 117.6 g | 235% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 690 mg | 53% | |
| Iron | 28.0 mg | 156% | |
| Potassium | 7469 mg | 159% | |
*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.
