Learn how to make delicious and nutritious homemade pinto beans from scratch. This classic recipe is easy to follow and yields flavorful beans that can be enjoyed as a side dish or added to your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. Packed with protein and fiber, these pinto beans are a healthy and satisfying choice for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 6 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
Directions
- Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and remove any debris or stones.
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeno pepper. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the rinsed pinto beans to the pot and pour in the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
- Simmer the beans for 1 to 2 hours, or until they are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the beans covered.
- Once the beans are tender, add the salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and oregano to the pot. Stir well to combine and let the beans simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Taste the beans and adjust the seasonings if necessary. If you prefer a creamier texture, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash some of the beans.
- Serve the homemade pinto beans hot as a side dish or use them as a base for other dishes like burritos, tacos, or nachos. Enjoy!
