Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy vegetarian meal? Look no further! This They Call Me Trinity Beans recipe is a vibrant explosion of flavor, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious choice for the whole family. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meal game with this simple yet impressive recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can of pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
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Combine the Beans and Spices: Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to heat through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Taste and Adjust: After 15-20 minutes, taste the Trinity Beans and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more chili powder for extra heat, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with lime wedges. This dish is delicious on its own, or you can serve it with rice, cornbread, or your favorite tortilla chips.
Cooking Tips for the Best Trinity Beans:
- Don't overcook the beans: Overcooked beans can become mushy. Aim for a tender but not falling-apart texture.
- Adjust the spice level: The amount of cayenne pepper is entirely up to you. Start with a small amount and add more to taste if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or carrots. You can also add other beans or lentils for variety.
Variations:
- Spicy Trinity Beans: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño pepper for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Chili: Add a can of drained and rinsed corn for a heartier chili.
- Trinity Beans with Sausage: For a heartier meal, add cooked Italian sausage or chorizo to the pot during step 2.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fiber: Approximately 15-20g
This They Call Me Trinity Beans recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and easy food recipes. It's a perfect choice for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, showcasing the best of homemade cooking without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy!