Pinto beans are a versatile and nutritious legume that is commonly used in various cuisines. This simple slow cooker recipe for pinto beans is a delicious side dish that pairs well with grilled or barbecued meats. The beans are soaked overnight to ensure even cooking and then combined with onions, garlic, crushed red pepper (or chili powder), and bacon for added flavor. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to develop and the beans to become tender and creamy.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound (455 g) pinto beans, soaked overnight
- 4 cups (950 ml) cold water
- 1 cup (160 g) chopped onion
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (or 2 teaspoons chili powder)
- 4 slices low-sodium bacon
PREPARATION:
- Start by soaking the pinto beans overnight. Place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. This process helps to soften the beans and reduce their cooking time.
- After soaking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.
- In a slow cooker, combine the soaked and drained pinto beans, cold water, chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed red pepper (or chili powder), and bacon slices.
- Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 8 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the beans to become soft and flavorful.
- Once the pinto beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add additional salt or spices according to your preference.
YIELD: 8 servings
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- 143 g water
- 227 calories (9% from fat, 24% from protein, 66% from carbs)
- 14 g protein
- 2 g total fat
- 1 g saturated fat
- 1 g monounsaturated fat
- 0 g polyunsaturated fat
- 37 g carbs
- 9 g fiber
- 2 g sugar
- 261 mg phosphorus
- 73 mg calcium
- 3 mg iron
- 41 mg sodium
- 844 mg potassium
- 14 IU vitamin A
- 0 mg ATE vitamin E
- 6 mg vitamin C
- 4 mg cholesterol
Pinto beans are a popular and nutritious legume that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. This slow cooker recipe for pinto beans offers a simple and convenient way to prepare them as a delicious side dish. By soaking the beans overnight, you ensure that they become tender and cook evenly, resulting in a creamy and flavorful texture.
The combination of chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed red pepper (or chili powder), and bacon adds layers of flavor to the pinto beans. The onions and garlic provide aromatic notes, while the crushed red pepper or chili powder adds a hint of spiciness. The bacon imparts a savory and smoky taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop slowly over time. The beans simmer in the liquid, absorbing the seasonings and becoming infused with the rich flavors of the ingredients. The long cooking time ensures that the beans reach a tender and creamy consistency, making them incredibly satisfying to eat.
This recipe yields 8 servings, making it suitable for a family meal or for leftovers that can be enjoyed later. The pinto beans can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, allowing the flavors to meld even further and intensify. They can also be frozen in individual portions for future use, making them a convenient and versatile dish to have on hand.
Pinto beans are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and various essential vitamins and minerals. Pinto beans are particularly high in fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
When serving these slow cooker pinto beans, they can be enjoyed as a standalone side dish or paired with grilled or barbecued meats for a complete and satisfying meal. They can also be served over rice or alongside other traditional sides like cornbread or steamed vegetables.
In conclusion, this slow cooker recipe for pinto beans is a fantastic way to enjoy this versatile legume. With its simple preparation and rich flavors, it’s a great addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a comforting side dish, these slow cooker pinto beans are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the tender and creamy texture, along with the savory and smoky flavors that make this dish so satisfying.
