Description
This easy seasoned pinto beans recipe is a flavorful and quick side dish that combines aromatic spices, garlic, and fresh cilantro to enhance tender pinto beans. Perfect for a weeknight meal or as a protein-rich addition to Mexican-inspired dishes, it is simple to prepare using stovetop cooking in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, chopped, or to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and sauté onions: Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Add garlic and spices: Reduce the heat to low. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook while stirring constantly for about 30 seconds or until the garlic becomes fragrant, infusing the oil with spice flavors.
- Simmer the beans: Stir in the rinsed and drained pinto beans along with ⅓ cup of water. Increase the heat if needed to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat back to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the beans to heat through thoroughly and the liquid to thicken slightly, forming a light sauce.
- Add cilantro and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. This adds a fresh herbal note and brightens the flavors of the seasoned beans.
Notes
- Use low sodium canned beans to control salt content.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, simmer a few extra minutes to reduce liquid.
- Fresh cilantro can be substituted with parsley if preferred.
- These beans pair well with rice, tacos, or as a filling for burritos.
- For spicier beans, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the spice step.
