Savory Chipotle-Infused Pinto Beans
Unlock the rich, smoky flavors of your favorite Chipotle-style pinto beans with this homemade recipe. Making beans from scratch is surprisingly simple, and with just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a delightful batch that rivals any restaurant. Perfect as a side dish or as a hearty main ingredient in tacos, burritos, or salads, these pinto beans are infused with aromatic spices and the warmth of chipotle chilies. Serve them warm and enjoy a burst of flavor that’s both satisfying and nutritious—ideal for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
6
Servings
180
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon
yellow onion
1 medium (finely diced)
dried pinto beans
16 ounces (rinsed)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
dried oregano
1 teaspoon
garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
bay leaves
2
chipotle chiles in adobo
1 (7 1/16 ounce) can
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (from one lemon)
lime juice
2 tablespoons (from one lime)
kosher salt
2 tablespoons
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
3
Stir in the rinsed pinto beans, ground cumin, dried oregano, and finely chopped garlic. Mix well to coat the beans in the spices.
4
Add the bay leaves, chipotle chiles, and 2 teaspoons of the adobo sauce from the can. Pour in enough water to cover the beans completely, about 4-5 cups.
5
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender but not falling apart. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.
6
Once the beans are done, remove the pot from the heat. Discard the bay leaves and chipotle chiles.
7
Stir in fresh lemon juice, lime juice, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
32g
Carbs
11g
Protein
11g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Savory Chipotle-Infused Pinto Beans?
These beans offer a rich, smoky flavor profile infused with aromatic spices like cumin, oregano, and the warmth of chipotle chilies.
Is this recipe similar to a specific restaurant style?
Yes, this recipe is designed to help you recreate your favorite Chipotle-style pinto beans at home.
How many calories are in one serving of these beans?
Each serving of these pinto beans contains 180 calories.
How much protein is provided per serving?
There are 11 grams of protein in each serving.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, these pinto beans provide 11 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the total fat content?
The recipe is very low in fat, containing only 1 gram per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How long does it take to cook the beans?
The beans need to simmer for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours until they are tender.
What type of pot should I use?
A large heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven is recommended for this recipe.
How should I prepare the yellow onion?
The medium yellow onion should be finely diced before being sautéed.
What heat setting is used to sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Do I need to soak the pinto beans?
The recipe instructions specify rinsing the 16 ounces of dried pinto beans, but do not strictly require a pre-soak.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The beans are seasoned with 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
How much adobo sauce should I add?
You should add 2 teaspoons of the adobo sauce from the can of chipotle chiles.
How much water is needed to cook the beans?
You will need enough water to cover the beans completely, which is about 4-5 cups.
What should I do if the water level gets low during simmering?
You should stir occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.
Which ingredients should be removed before serving?
Once the beans are done cooking, you should discard the bay leaves and the whole chipotle chiles.
When do I add the lemon and lime juice?
The fresh lemon and lime juices are stirred in after the beans are removed from the heat.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of kosher salt, adjusted to taste at the end.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these pinto beans are vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
What are some serving suggestions for these beans?
They are perfect as a side dish or as a main ingredient in tacos, burritos, or salads.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There is only 0.5 grams of sugar per serving.
Is this a budget-friendly recipe?
Yes, pinto beans are an affordable staple, making this a great budget-friendly meal option.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely, these beans are ideal for meal prep for the week ahead.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 32 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How much black pepper is added?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
Are there any bay leaves used?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 bay leaves for flavor, which are removed after cooking.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, making these beans from scratch is surprisingly simple with just a handful of wholesome ingredients.