Pinto beans have countless culinary uses as well as a range of nutritional benefits. According to Martha Archuleta of New Mexico State University, 1 cup of pinto beans contains 1/4 of the USDA's recommended daily protein intake. Pintos are also an excellent source of fiber, B vitamins, niacin, thiamin and riboflavin. You can season pinto beans with meats such as ham or bacon, or you can add spices to create flavorful, low fat meatless recipes.
Vegetarian Pinto Beans
Step 1
Mince 2 cloves of garlic and chop 1 onion.
Step 2
Heat 1 tbsp. of olive oil over medium-high heat in a medium-size skillet.
Step 3
Add the onion and garlic, along with 1/2 tsp. of salt, 2 tsp. of mild or hot chili powder, 1 tsp. of ground cumin and 1/2 tsp. of dried oregano. Cook for about five minutes, until the onion is translucent.
Step 4
Add 2 cups of cooked or canned pinto beans. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring often, until the beans are heated through and start to break down.
Slow-Cooker Pintos with Bacon
Step 1
Clean dried pintos by spreading them on a table or a tray and looking through them for stones or foreign particles.
Step 2
Put the pintos in a slow cooker along with water to cover, two strips of bacon and 1 tsp. of salt for each pound of dried beans.
Step 3
Cook on low for six to eight hours, until the pinto beans are soft. Add black pepper to taste.
Things You'll Need
- Medium-size skillet
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. mild or hot chili powder
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 2 cups cooked or canned pinto beans
- Dried pinto beans
- Slow cooker
- Bacon
- Salt
- Pepper
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