Zesty Cilantro Pinto Beans 🌿🍽️

This delightful side dish elevates traditional pinto beans with zesty lime and fresh cilantro, creating a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, tacos, or even a hearty salad. Packed with protein and fiber, these beans are not only delicious but also nourishing—ideal for any meal!

Ingredients

For the beans

• 2 cups dried pinto beans (or 4 cans of pinto beans, drained and rinsed)
• 6 cups water (or low-sodium vegetable broth)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the zesty finishing touch

• Juice of 2 limes
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Additional lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Soak the beans: If using dried pinto beans, rinse them under cold water and soak them in a bowl overnight. Drain before cooking.

2. Cook the beans: In a large pot, combine the soaked beans (or the canned beans), water (or broth), diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

   • If using dried beans, simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
   • If using canned beans, simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

🕰️ If using a pressure cooker, you can reduce the cooking time significantly. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking pinto beans!

3. Season the beans: Once the beans are cooked (tender but not mushy), remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Add the finishing touch: Stir in the lime juice, chopped cilantro, jalapeño (if using), and olive oil. Mix well and allow to sit for about 5 minutes for the flavors to combine.

5. Serve: Serve warm with additional lime wedges on the side.

🍋 Squeezing fresh lime juice just before serving really brightens up the dish, making it wonderfully refreshing!

Variations

• Spicy: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder when cooking.
• Smoky: Replace olive oil with a smoky flavored oil or add smoked sausage during the bean cooking process for a hearty twist.
• Herby: Swap out cilantro for fresh parsley or chives for a different herbaceous flavor.
• Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, perfect for a hassle-free dish!

Enjoy these zesty cilantro pinto beans as a staple on your dinner table, and watch them disappear! 🌮🌿