Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Pinto Beans and Bacon recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. It's a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create a truly impressive and healthy meal. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pinto beans, rinsed and picked over
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon grease in the pot. Set the cooked bacon aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper (if using) to the pot and cook in the bacon grease until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the Beans and Spices: Add the rinsed pinto beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth if needed to maintain a consistent liquid level.
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Stir in Bacon: Once the beans are tender, stir in the cooked bacon.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. This pinto bean and bacon recipe is delicious on its own, or you can serve it with cornbread, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Tips for the Best Pinto Beans and Bacon:
- Soaking the Beans (Optional): For faster cooking and a creamier texture, soak the pinto beans in water for at least 4-6 hours or overnight before cooking. This step is optional but recommended.
- Adjusting Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Adding other Veggies: Experiment with other vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn. These will add more nutrients and flavor to your delicious dish.
Variations:
- Spicy Pinto Beans and Bacon: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Pinto Beans: Omit the bacon and use olive oil or vegetable oil instead of bacon grease for sautéing the vegetables. You can also add a tablespoon of smoked paprika for a smoky bacon flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to calculate the nutritional content based on the brands you use.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fiber: Approximately 10-15g
This pinto beans and bacon recipe is a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights. It's also a great source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option. Enjoy this simple yet delicious dish, and let us know what you think in the comments below!