Description
Hearty Pinto Bean Chili delivers a soul-warming Mexican-inspired feast packed with robust flavors and comforting spices. Simmered to perfection, this dish brings zesty warmth that satisfies deep hunger and invites you to savor each delicious spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried pinto beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces / 170 grams) tomato paste
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or water)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 1 jalapeno, diced (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup corn (optional)
- ½ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare dried pinto beans by submerging in water overnight, then thoroughly drain and rinse to remove excess starch.
- Transfer soaked beans to a pot and simmer in fresh water until they reach a tender, creamy consistency, approximately 90-120 minutes, then carefully drain.
- Select a robust cooking vessel and warm olive oil over moderate temperature, creating a smooth cooking surface.
- Introduce diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers into the heated oil, allowing vegetables to soften and release their aromatic qualities, stirring periodically.
- For adventurous palates, incorporate finely chopped jalapeño to elevate the heat profile of the dish.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes and concentrated tomato paste, blending with a harmonious blend of spices: robust chili powder, earthy cumin, smoky paprika, fragrant oregano, complemented by salt and ground pepper.
- Pour vegetable broth into the mixture, bringing the liquid to a vigorous boil, which helps marry the flavors.
- Gently fold in cooked pinto beans and sweet corn kernels, reducing heat to create a gentle, consistent simmer.
- Allow the chili to develop depth, stirring intermittently and monitoring thickness for approximately 25-35 minutes.
- Evaluate and refine the seasoning, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and accompany with zesty lime wedges for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Soak dried pinto beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, helping break down complex sugars that cause gas.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt content and create a healthier version of the chili without sacrificing flavor.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantity or removing seeds for milder taste, allowing personal spice preference.
- Transform into a vegetarian or vegan meal by ensuring all ingredients are
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg