If you’re looking to add a touch of Mexican flair to your dinner table, pinto beans with Mexican-style seasonings are a must-try. Bursting with bold and aromatic spices, these beans are a delicious and versatile addition to any meal. Whether served as a side dish, a filling for tacos or burritos, or even as a standalone vegetarian main course, pinto beans with Mexican-style seasonings will transport your taste buds south of the border. In this blog post, we’ll share an enticing recipe for pinto beans cooked with traditional Mexican spices, complete with a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some expert tips to ensure your beans are bursting with flavor. Get ready to embark on a culinary fiesta with this simple yet satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the beans: Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water and remove any stones or debris. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Allow them to soak overnight. The next day, drain and rinse the beans.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeno pepper. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the aromatics release their fragrance.
- Spice it up: Add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and peppers with the spices.
- Cook the beans: Add the soaked and rinsed pinto beans to the pot. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the tomato paste. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
- Season to perfection: Once the beans are cooked, season them with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more spices if desired.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Ladle the pinto beans into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Squeezing lime juice over the beans adds a refreshing burst of citrus flavor.
Tips :
- Add smokiness: For an extra smoky flavor, you can add a few dashes of liquid smoke or use smoked paprika with a stronger intensity.
- Meaty option: If you prefer meat in your beans, you can incorporate some diced bacon or chorizo during the sautéing step for added richness and flavor.
- Beans with a kick: To make spicier beans, keep the seeds in the jalapeno pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.