Are pinto beans good for you?

Yes! Pinto beans are a great source of fiber and protein, and they're low in fat—making it easy on the waistline. Pinto beans are a rich source of folate, thiamin, Vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. This nutrient-dense food is not only good for your health, but it's also easy on the wallet. This pinto bean recipe is exceptionally healthy because it only includes whole plant food ingredients—namely, garlic, spices, and fresh lime juice.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned ones?

Absolutely! We love dried beans. However, it will take longer than the 10 minutes in this recipe to cook the dried beans. Plan on about 40 minutes if using an InstantPot to cook dried beans or longer if using a slow cooker or making your beans on the stovetop.

Pinto beans vs. black beans—which is better?

They're both great beans! The macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fats) between both beans are similar. However, pinto beans have a higher amount of antioxidants than black beans. Eating various beans is an excellent way to mix up your meal routine because there are different nutrients and compounds in different types of beans. Eating a variety of beans and other whole plant foods is good for our gut health too. Pick up a copy of the Fiber Fueled book to learn more about the power of plants on gut health.

Chipotle Pinto Beans

Name: Chipotle Pinto Beans
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 to 2 Tbsp water; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 tsp chipotle powder; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 15-ounce can pinto beans (no salt added or low sodium); 2 tsp fresh lime juice; fresh chopped cilantro; diced red onion; salsa; sliced avocado or guacamole; cashew cream (contains nuts)

Description

These chipotle pinto beans could not be any easier or faster. With only five ingredients, this side dish takes only 10 minutes to make. It's vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, and low-fat.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 to 2 Tbsp water
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp chipotle powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 15-ounce can pinto beans (no salt added or low sodium)
2 tsp fresh lime juice

Optional Toppings

fresh chopped cilantro
diced red onion
salsa
sliced avocado or guacamole
cashew cream (contains nuts)

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Instructions

Preheat a small or medium pot over medium heat. Add a few tablespoons of water, minced garlic, chipotle powder, and ground cumin. Stir and cook for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant.

Add a can of no salt added (or low sodium) pinto beans with liquids to the pot. Stir well and continue to cook uncovered over medium heat for about 6 to 8 minutes. Add fresh lime juice. Stir again and salt to taste.

Enjoy these beans on their own or with rice. Recommended toppings for these beans include diced red onion and fresh cilantro.

These beans keep well in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to four days. These beans are also freezer-friendly for up to four months, making them great for meal prep.

Notes

EQUIPMENT / SUPPLIES

Can opener
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons
Small or medium pot

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Category: Sides
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southwestern