She Strengthens

Satisfying Pinto Beans with a Twist

Imagine a hearty, flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and packed with nutrients. Look no further than these scrumptious pinto beans, infused with the richness of bacon, onions, garlic, and spices. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting side dish or a satisfying main course, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

These pinto beans are baked to perfection with a medley of aromatics, including crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and pungent garlic. The addition of tomato paste, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and cayenne pepper creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. And the best part? You can customize the dish to your taste by adding your favorite toppings, such as creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, and a zesty onion-jalapeño-cilantro relish.

A Flexible Recipe for Any Occasion

This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. If you’re short on time, use canned beans and skip the soaking step. If you prefer a meatless option, simply omit the bacon and proceed with the recipe. With a yield of six servings, this dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.

Easy to Make and Customize

To get started, simply soak the dried pinto beans (if using) and prepare the ingredients according to the recipe. Then, bake the beans in the oven until they’re tender and flavorful. While the beans are cooking, prepare the fixings, including crispy tortilla chips, a fresh onion-jalapeño-cilantro relish, and your choice of toppings.

Ingredients and Instructions

For the beans:

• 1 pound dried pinto beans (or four 15-ounce cans cooked pinto beans)
• 1/4 pound bacon, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 2 teaspoons coarse sea or kosher salt
• 4 cups vegetable broth (for dried beans) plus 1 cup water (if beans weren’t presoaked)
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth (for precooked/canned beans)

For the fixings:

• Soft corn tortillas for tortilla chips
• Fine salt, to taste
• 1/2 medium-large white onion, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of half a lime, plus more lime wedges
• 1 large avocado, diced or sliced
• 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
• Sour cream, Mexican crema, or plain yogurt
• Hot sauce

Soak, Prepare, and Bake

Soak the dried beans (if using) for at least 24 hours or up to 3 hours. Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe, then bake the beans in the oven until they’re tender and flavorful. While the beans are cooking, prepare the fixings and assemble the dish to your taste.

Tips and Variations

• Use canned beans to save time and skip the soaking step.
• Omit the bacon for a meatless option.
• Add your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or sliced black olives.
• Experiment with different spices and seasonings to create a unique flavor profile.

With its rich flavors, satisfying texture, and endless customization options, this pinto bean recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So why wait? Give it a try tonight and discover a world of flavor and possibility!