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Seasoned pinto beans garnished with cilantro in a white bowl. A wooden mixing spoon is in the bottom left corner.
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Healthy Pinto Beans

With bold spices like cumin and smoked paprika, tangy apple cider vinegar, and fire-roasted tomatoes, this recipe elevates humble pinto beans to new heights. Best of all, it’s packed with nutrition and so easy to make!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Soaking Time10 hours
Course: Main Dish, Side
Cuisine: Mexican, Vegetarian
Servings: 16 ½ cup
Calories: 119kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried pinto beans
  • 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced ¼” (~1 cup)
  • 3 garlic cloves minced (~1 ½ teaspoons)
  • 1 Tablespoon cumin
  • ½ Tablespoon chili powder
  • ½ Tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 cups water ~2 inches above top of beans
  • 14 ounce can crushed or diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro

Instructions

  • Place beans in a colander and rinse under cold water. Pick out any rocks or beans that are broken or shriveled. Transfer beans to a large bowl and cover with water, 2” above the top of the beans. Soak for 8-12 hours.
  • The next day or after soaking, drain and rinse beans.
  • Heat a Dutch oven or 4-quart pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add oil. Once oil is simmering, add onions and sauté until translucent, ~5 minutes. Add the garlic and spices and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
  • Add the beans, salt, bay leaf, and tomatoes. Add enough water or broth to cover beans by ~2 inches. Bring beans to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and partially cover.
  • Simmer for 45-90 minutes, or until beans are tender. While the beans cook, add more water if needed to ensure the beans remain submerged. Once cooked, add vinegar and any additional salt to taste. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Enjoy!

Notes

For softer beans, cover completely during simmering. For firmer beans, leave uncovered. Note that the latter leads to more water evaporation, so you will likely have to add more water during cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 119kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 197mg | Potassium: 425mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 290IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg