Mexican pinto beans are easily prepared and make a delicious side dish or entrée. They are also a good source of fiber, protein, and vitamins.
In this recipe, the beans are cooked in a tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and spices.
Table of Contents
How to cook Mexican pinto beans?
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. pinto beans.
- 1 tbsp. olive oil.
- 1 onion, diced.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced.
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced.
- 1 tsp. ground cumin.
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder.
- 1 (14 oz) can of diced tomatoes, undrained.
- 1 (4 oz) can of chopped green chilies.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste.
- Shredded cheese for serving (optional).
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Heat the oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the onions, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin and chili powder and cook for 1 minute longer. Add the beans and tomatoes with their juice, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook until the beans are tender but still firm to the bite, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with shredded cheese if desired.
Do pinto beans have to be soaked before cooking?
Pinto beans do not have to be soaked before cooking, but doing so will shorten the cooking time. Soaking also helps to remove some of the gas-producing sugars in the beans. If you choose not to soak the beans, add an extra 1/2 cup water for each cup of dried beans.
How long do you boil pinto beans?
You’ll want to boil your pinto beans for about an hour, give or take. Start checking them at around 45 minutes to see if they’re done. They’re done when they’re soft enough to eat but still have a bit of a bite to them.
How long do pinto beans take to cook?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Cooking time for pinto beans will vary depending on the method used, the size and age of the beans, and the altitude at which they are cooked.
Generally speaking, boiled pinto beans will take between 30 and 60 minutes to cook, while pressure-cooked pinto beans will take about 10 minutes.
Do you add oil to pinto beans?
Adding oil to pinto beans is a matter of personal preference. Some people like to add oil to their beans because it makes them softer and more digestible. Others find that adding oil makes the beans less flavorful.
If you are adding oil to your beans, it is best to do so early in the cooking process so that the beans can absorb the flavor and nutrients from the oil.
What happens if you don’t Rinse beans?
If you don’t rinse your beans, they may contain harmful toxins that can make you sick. These toxins can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In some cases, the toxins may even lead to serious health complications. So, it’s important to always rinse your beans before cooking them.
What can I add to beans for flavor?
Beans are nutritious and versatile, but they can sometimes be a little bland. Here are some ideas for adding flavor to your beans:
- Add diced onion, garlic, or celery to the pot when you cook the beans.
- Add a teaspoon of cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika to the pot when you cook the beans.
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the pot when you cook the beans.
- Add a cup of chopped fresh tomatoes, salsa, or enchilada sauce to the pot when you cook the beans.
- Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the pot when you cook the beans.
- Add a bay leaf or two to the pot when you cook the beans.
Do you cook beans covered or uncovered?
Regarding cooking beans, there are two main schools of thought: covered or uncovered. So, which is the best way to cook them?
Cooking beans covered means that you put a lid on the pot while they’re cooking. This traps the steam and helps the beans cook evenly. Cooking them uncovered means you don’t put a lid on the pot, allowing the water to evaporate more quickly.
Can you overcook pinto beans?
Yes, you can overcook pinto beans. The signs of overcooked pinto beans are a mushy texture, a grayish color, and an unpleasant odor. Overcooked pinto beans will also have a bitter taste. If you overcook your pinto beans, you can salvage them by adding some fresh ingredients to give them new life.
Try adding some salsa, diced onions, garlic, or green chilies to give your beans some flavor. If you’re in a bind, you can always use your over-cooked beans as a base for soup or chili.
How much water do you put in pinto beans?
Most recipes call for about 2 cups of water per cup of beans. However, you may need to adjust this depending on the pot or pan you’re using and the humidity and altitude where you live.
If your beans start to dry while cooking, add more water a little at a time until they’re soft but not soupy.
Do you Stir pinto beans when cooking?
No one can agree on whether or not you should stir pinto beans while they’re cooking. Some people say that stirring them will make them tough, while others believe that it helps evenly distribute the heat and prevents them from sticking to the pot.
I’ve tried both methods and haven’t noticed a significant difference either way, so it’s up to you to decide what you think is best.
Are you supposed to peel pinto beans?
Pinto beans are a popular legume that can be found in many dishes. While some people may peel the beans before cooking them, there is no real need.
Peeling the beans can make them harder to cook. Pinto beans are best cooked with the skin on them, as it helps to retain their flavor and nutrients.
How much salt do you put in 2 lb of pinto beans?
There is no single answer to this question as the amount of salt you put in 2 lb of pinto beans will vary depending on personal preference and the recipe you are using.
However, a general rule of thumb is to use 1-2 tsp of salt for every 2 lb of dried beans. If you are using canned beans, you will likely only need about 1/4-1/2 tsp of salt.
Do you Soak beans in the fridge or on the counter?
There are differing opinions on if soaking beans in the fridge or on the counter is better. Some say that if you soak them in the fridge, they will last longer.
Others say that if you soak them on the counter, they will cook faster. It doesn’t matter where you soak them, as long as you do it properly.
Soaking beans overnight before cooking them is important because it helps to remove toxins and gas-producing compounds. It also helps soften the beans, so they cook faster and more evenly.
If you’re going to soak your beans in the fridge, place them in a covered container or bowl, so they don’t dry out. If you’re going to soak them on the counter, place them in a colander so that water can drain off easily.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, cooking Mexican pinto beans is a simple process that can be completed in a short amount of time. By following these steps, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal for your family or friends. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
