Master the art of cooking pinto beans with our simple, step-by-step recipe. Unleash the rich, hearty flavor of pinto beans in your dishes – perfect for a nutritious, budget-friendly meal.
At its core, this dish is an embodiment of the beauty in simplicity. Each component, from the earthy pinto beans to the aromatic cumin, contributes to a symphony of flavors. The warmth of the dish seeps into your soul, right from the first bite, drawing you into a comforting embrace. The kick of cayenne pepper offers an optional, but delightful spark of surprise, while the cilantro garnish lends a burst of freshness to round off the experience. Truly, this humble plate of pinto beans is more than just a meal, it’s a testament to the joy of simple, homely cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, canned pinto beans are a convenient option, especially if you’re short on time. Make sure to rinse them well before use.
Soaking the beans before cooking not only reduces cooking time but also makes them easier to digest. However, if you forget to soak them, you can do a quick soak by boiling the beans for a few minutes and then letting them sit, covered, for an hour.
If you don’t have cayenne pepper, you can use other types of chili powder for a similar spicy kick. Or, if you prefer, you can omit it entirely. The dish will still be flavorful without it.
Yes, any neutral-flavored oil like avocado oil or canola oil can work well in this recipe.
Yes, cooked pinto beans freeze well. Make sure they’re cooled completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be frozen for up to 6 months. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Essential Tips and Tricks
- Soaking the Beans: Soaking the beans before cooking can reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest. You can either do a quick soak by bringing the beans to a boil for a few minutes and then letting them sit off heat for an hour, or you can do an overnight soak in cold water.
- Rinse Well: After soaking, be sure to rinse your beans well. This will remove any impurities or dirt that may have surfaced during the soaking process.
- Cooking Time: Cooking times for pinto beans can vary greatly depending on their freshness and the length of time they were soaked. As a general rule, though, you can expect them to take 1-2 hours of simmering after soaking.
- Check for Doneness: The best way to check if your beans are done is simply to taste them. They should be tender and creamy, but still hold their shape.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Pinto beans can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 4 days. When the craving strikes, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until they’re warmed through.
Related Recipes
If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other delicious bean recipes:
Classic Baked Beans
16 hrs 30 mins
Homemade Pork and Beans
2 hrs 25 mins
Southern Style Red Beans and Rice
2 hrs 30 mins
I love watching you and have a lot of your recipes.
I literally woke up this morning and thought I’d make some pinto beans. I was chillin and going thru my emails and BAM. Would you believe it? An email with your recipe for pinto beans. Kinda gave me goosebumps, but in a good way. Love you both, y’all have taught me how to cook!!
Gotta go dice up a small yellow onion. See y’all later (obviously a Texas girl).
What could be better than these lovely beans served either with rice or used in tacos or practically any other Mexican dish?
So easy to prepare and when my family walked in, they asked what smelled so good. Recipes like this make my life much easier, tastier and definitely healthier!
You two are the best. I have been following you Rachael for years. Have one of your NY STYLE Cheesecakes in the fridge right now. Ready for the party. Katelyn is just as awesome. Thank you both!!
I enjoy looking at your weekly recipes. Many I copy. You make do them easy to follow.