Kickin Pinto Beans Texmex Style

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving something hearty and full of flavour? These Kickin' Pinto Beans are your answer! The secret? It's all in the pinto bean seasoning , mate.

They're Tex-Mex deliciousness in a bowl.

Brief Overview

These are not your average beans, I can tell you! They are a taste of Tex-Mex comfort food. It's a dish with a rich history south of the border.

This pinto bean recipe easy for anyone to try, taking about 4 hours from start to finish. This recipe yields about 6-8 servings, perfect for a family meal or a BBQ side.

Main Benefits

These beans are packed with fiber and protein. It's a top notch, healthy option. They're perfect as a BBQ side dish or a comforting meal on a chilly evening.

What makes these beans special is the smoked paprika pinto beans flavour and that little kick of heat.

Beans, Beans, Good for Your Heart (and Your Soul!)

Honestly, I used to think beans were boring. Then I discovered the magic of Tex-Mex pinto beans , and now, oh my gosh, it's a different ball game! The right pinto bean seasoning can transform these humble legumes into something truly special.

It's all about building layers of flavour.

This recipe is so simple, even a novice cook can nail it. You'll need about 20 minutes for prep work.

Then let the beans simmer away either on the stove or in a slow cooker pinto beans until they are tender and creamy.

The wait is worth it, I promise.

Get Your Bean On: Ingredients You'll Need

Now, here's a right proper list of for those kickin' pinto beans, mate! Bang on for getting you noticed, they are.

Let's gather our ingredients. We're talkin' dried pinto beans, onions, garlic, a jalapeño if you're feeling brave. Don't forget the essential spices that make up our pinto bean spice blend .

Smoked paprika is crucial!

Alright, mate! Let's talk about what you need to whip up these kickin' pinto beans . Honestly, it's not rocket science.

You probably have most of this stuff already kicking about in your kitchen.

Ingredients & Equipment: Gear Up for Bean Bliss!

Main Ingredients: The Bean Dream Team

Okay, here's the lowdown on the key players. Remember, we're going for Tex-Mex pinto beans flavour, so quality matters! This pinto bean recipe easy starts with:

• Dried Pinto Beans: 1 pound (450g) . Give 'em a good rinse. Look for beans that are uniform in color and size. Avoid any that are cracked or shriveled, yeah?
• Water or Broth: 8 cups (1.9L) . Low-sodium chicken broth adds extra flavour, but water works just fine.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Any decent olive oil will do.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped (about 1 cup / 150g) .
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced . Fresh is always best, innit?
• Jalapeño (optional): 1, seeded and minced . If you're feeling brave!
• Red Bell Pepper: 1, diced (about 1 cup / 150g) .
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon . Adds a nice zing.

Pinto Bean Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

This is where the magic happens. The pinto bean seasoning blend is crucial. Don't be shy!

• Chili Powder: 2 teaspoons .
• Smoked paprika : 1 teaspoon . This is key for that BBQ flavour. Don't skip it! Adds smoked paprika pinto beans flavour.
• Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon .
• Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Cayenne Pepper (optional): 1/4 teaspoon . For extra heat.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon , or to taste.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon , or to taste.
• Bay Leaf: 1 . Don't forget to take it out before serving!

If you're missing something, don't panic. You can always adjust to taste and you are aiming to make homemade bean seasoning . A dash of hot sauce can replace cayenne.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

You don't need fancy gadgets for this pinto bean recipe easy .

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For stovetop cooking. A slow cooker pinto beans method works too!
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping veggies.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For the spices.

Honestly, that's it! This vegan pinto bean recipe doesn't need loads of gear. Let's get cooking! Remember, these beans are proper good.

They're brilliant as BBQ side dishes or even on their own. You could even call them Spicy pinto beans . Enjoy, you cheeky devil!

Kickin' Pinto Beans: Tex-Mex Style

Fancy a bit of Tex-Mex magic in your kitchen? These beans ain't your average, boring side dish. Oh my gosh, these are Tex-Mex pinto beans at their finest! We're talking flavour packed, smoky, and just a little bit spicy.

I use these beans all the time in my burritos. Plus, they're a cracking vegan pinto bean recipe option if you skip the cheese.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Key!

Right then, let's get organized. First, rinse 1 pound of dried pinto beans . Get rid of any dodgy looking ones. Chop 1 medium onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1 red bell pepper .

If you're feeling brave, finely mince 1 jalapeño (optional, but recommended!). Get your spices measured out chili powder, smoked paprika , cumin, oregano, cayenne (if you're a chilli head), salt, and pepper.

This essential mise en place will save you time and stress.

step-by-step to Pinto Bean Perfection

Ready to get cooking? These steps are super easy.

1. Sauté the onion, garlic, jalapeño (if using), and bell pepper in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until soft. About 5- 7 minutes .
2. Stir in the spices: 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne , salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
3. Add the rinsed beans, 8 cups of water or broth , and 1 bay leaf .
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3- 4 hours (stovetop) or cook on low for 6- 8 hours (slow cooker). We are talking about slow cooker pinto beans if you ask me.
5. Remove the bay leaf and stir in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar .
6. Taste and adjust the pinto bean seasoning . This is super important.

Pro Tips for Bean Brilliance

Want to take your pinto beans to the next level? I've got a few tricks up my sleeve.

• Don't add salt too early. Seriously! It can toughen the bean skins. Add most of the salt towards the end.
• Smoked paprika is your friend! Honestly, it makes all the difference. Don't skimp on it. Smoked paprika pinto beans are a winner.
• Got leftover beans? They're even better the next day. Store them in the fridge and reheat them for a quick and easy meal.

These Kickin' Pinto Beans are a real crowd pleaser, perfect for a BBQ side, a burrito filling, or a hearty vegetarian main course.

So, give them a go, and let me know what you think.

Recipe Notes: Kickin' Pinto Beans Dig In!

Right then, you've got the recipe for these kickin' pinto beans , and I'm buzzing for you to try them! But before you get going, here are a few extra nuggets of info to make them even better.

Honestly, these aren't just beans, they are proper Tex-Mex pinto beans that everyone will be raving about.

How to Serve 'Em Up Proper

Fancy pants plating? Nah. Just bung 'em in a bowl! But seriously, these spicy pinto beans are mega versatile. I love them piled high next to some BBQ ribs.

Think of them alongside grilled meats or as a killer filling for burritos. Don't forget a dollop of sour cream.

A cold beer or sweet tea goes down lovely too.

Storing Your Leftover Pinto Bean Recipe Easy

Got leftovers? You lucky thing! Once cooled, pop those slow cooker pinto beans in an airtight container. They will be fine in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

If you want to freeze them, make sure they're properly cooled first. I like to freeze them in individual portions.

Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave.

Mix It Up: Bean Variations

Honestly, cooking is all about having a go, innit? For a vegan pinto bean recipe , simply use vegetable stock.

Want a smoky kick? Add a good glug of BBQ sauce during the last hour of cooking. If you fancy smoked paprika pinto beans , you're already on the right track.

Swapping out the beans with kidney or black beans are also banging ideas if you do not have any pinto beans.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, listen up, these beans are packed with goodness. We're talking protein and fibre. They will keep you full for ages! They are also low in fat.

This recipe uses simple ingredients so is fairly healthy if you're looking for homemade bean seasoning and recipes that fit that bill.

So there you have it, my friend. A cracking recipe and all the tips to make it your own. Don't be afraid to experiment with the pinto bean spice blend ! Get in the kitchen and give it a go.

You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I adjust the heat in this pinto bean seasoning recipe? I like things a bit spicier!

Absolutely! If you're a chilli fiend, feel free to crank up the heat. You can increase the amount of cayenne pepper, add more minced jalapeño (or even a hotter pepper like a Scotch bonnet!), or throw in a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Remember to taste as you go you can always add more heat, but it's difficult to take it away once it's in there!

What's the best way to store leftover pinto beans? And how long will they last?

To store leftover pinto beans, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, portion the beans into freezer safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

They're great to have on hand for a quick burrito filling or a last minute side dish a real lifesaver when you're busy!

I don't have smoked paprika. Can I still make this kickin' pinto bean seasoning?

Of course! While smoked paprika adds a lovely depth of flavour, you can definitely still make these pinto beans without it. Use regular paprika instead, and if you have any liquid smoke on hand (the kind you'd use for a BBQ), add a very small dash just a few drops to mimic the smoky flavour.

It's not quite the same, but it'll do in a pinch. Think of it as "making do" like on the Great British Bake Off!

Can I use canned pinto beans instead of dried ones? How will this affect the pinto bean seasoning and cooking time?

You certainly can use canned pinto beans in a rush! Drain and rinse the canned beans thoroughly. You'll essentially be skipping the long simmering process. Instead, sauté the aromatics and spices as directed, then add the rinsed beans and just enough water or broth to cover them.

Simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. Adjust seasonings to taste it's that easy!

Are these pinto beans healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?

Pinto beans are a nutritional powerhouse! They're packed with plant based protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and folate. They are naturally low in fat and a good source of complex carbohydrates. Be mindful of the sodium content of your broth and the amount of salt you add to keep them a healthy choice.

Portion control is key as always, even though they're so tasty you'll want to eat the whole lot!

I'm looking for a vegan option. What substitutions can I make to this pinto bean seasoning recipe?

Making these beans vegan is a doddle! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and make sure any BBQ sauce you might add as a variation is vegan friendly. Double check that your smoked paprika doesn't have any hidden animal products, though it rarely does.

You can also skip the optional garnishes like cheese and sour cream, or substitute them with plant based alternatives. Bob's your uncle, vegan pinto beans!