Pinto Bean Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. It’s packed with protein and fiber from the beans, and you can customize it with your favorite spices and toppings. Here’s a simple recipe to make Pinto Bean Chili:
Ingredients
2 cups dried pinto beans (or 4 cans of pinto beans, drained and rinsed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, avocado
Instructions
Prepare the Beans (if using dried beans):
Rinse the dried pinto beans and soak them in water overnight. Drain and rinse again before cooking.
In a large pot, cover the soaked beans with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Add the Spices:
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked pinto beans (or canned beans), diced tomatoes (with juice), and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
Simmer the Chili:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the chili is too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust:
Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more chili powder or salt to suit your preference.
Serve:
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, or avocado.
Enjoy your delicious Pinto Bean Chili as a comforting meal on its own or with cornbread or rice!