Southwestern Anasazi & Pinto Bean Casserole with Hominy and Roasted Green Chiles
Experience the rich, earthy flavors of this Southwestern-inspired casserole featuring a delightful combination of Anasazi and pinto beans, paired with hearty hominy and the smoky heat of roasted green chiles. This dish is not only nourishing and filling but also packed with protein and fiber. A perfect addition to your meal rotation, it can be served as a main dish or a flavorful side. Enjoy this comforting, wholesome bean casserole at your next family gathering or cozy dinner!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Anasazi beans
1 1/2 cups (dried)
Pinto beans
1 1/2 cups (dried)
Water
10 cups (for soaking and cooking)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Hominy
3 cups (dried)
Green Anaheim chilies
3 (roasted, peeled, seeded, and diced for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by soaking the dried Anasazi and pinto beans overnight in enough water to completely cover them.
2
The next day, drain and rinse the beans under cold water. Transfer them to a large, heavy-bottomed pot and add 10 cups of fresh water.
3
Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, cover the pot, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook slowly for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
Keep an eye on the water level during cooking and add more as needed to keep the beans submerged.
5
Once the beans are tender, stir in 3 cups of dried hominy. Cover and continue to simmer for an additional hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
6
While the beans and hominy are cooking, prepare the green Anaheim chilies by roasting them over an open flame or in a broiler until charred. Once roasted, place them in a sealed container or plastic bag to steam for 10 minutes, then peel away the skin, remove the seeds, and dice the flesh.
7
When the hominy and beans are very soft and moist but not watery, taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot, garnished with the freshly roasted and diced green chiles on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in this casserole?
The main ingredients are Anasazi beans, pinto beans, dried hominy, and roasted green Anaheim chiles.
Is this Southwestern bean casserole vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products.
How long should I soak the Anasazi and pinto beans?
The beans should be soaked overnight in enough water to completely cover them.
What is the total cooking time for the beans?
The beans take about 2 to 2.5 hours to become tender, plus an additional hour once the hominy is added.
Can I substitute Anasazi beans if I cannot find them?
Yes, you can substitute Anasazi beans with additional pinto beans or red kidney beans.
How do I prepare the green Anaheim chiles?
Roast them until charred, steam them in a sealed container for 10 minutes, then peel, seed, and dice them.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe including beans, hominy, and chiles are naturally gluten-free.
What is hominy?
Hominy is dried corn kernels that have been treated with an alkali solution to remove the hull and germ.
Can I use canned hominy instead of dried?
Yes, but add it during the last 20 minutes of cooking since canned hominy is already softened.
How much water is needed for the cooking process?
The recipe calls for 10 cups of fresh water, adding more if necessary to keep beans submerged.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to medium smoky heat from the Anaheim chiles, which are generally not very hot.
How many cups of dried hominy are required?
The recipe requires 3 cups of dried hominy.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the soaked beans and hominy on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours.
Should I salt the beans at the start?
The recipe suggests adding 1 teaspoon of salt at the beginning of the simmer.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it hot as a main or side dish, garnished with the freshly roasted and diced green chiles.
How do I prevent the beans from sticking to the pot?
Stir the mixture occasionally and maintain a gentle simmer rather than a high boil.
Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
Yes, this dish freezes well in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Why do I need to steam the chiles after roasting?
Steaming loosens the skin, making it much easier to peel off after roasting.
What side dishes pair well with this?
It pairs beautifully with warm corn tortillas, cilantro lime rice, or a crisp green salad.
Can I use canned beans for this recipe?
Yes, but you will need to reduce the water and the cooking time significantly.
Is this dish high in fiber?
Yes, the combination of beans and hominy makes this dish very high in dietary fiber.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Certainly; corn, diced tomatoes, or onions would make excellent additions.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
What is the flavor profile of Anasazi beans?
Anasazi beans have a sweet, nutty flavor and a texture similar to pinto beans.
Do I need to drain the beans after the overnight soak?
Yes, drain and rinse the beans before adding fresh water for the cooking process.
What if the casserole is too watery?
Continue to simmer uncovered for a few minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Can I use a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can cook soaked beans and hominy in a pressure cooker for about 35-45 minutes.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is ideal for even heat distribution.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
If you are not vegan, topping with shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese is a delicious option.
How do I know when the hominy is done?
The hominy should be tender and chewy, having absorbed much of the flavorful cooking liquid.