Chipotle Pinto Beans Recipe
Smoky and tender Chipotle Pinto Beans made with dried pinto beans, chipotle peppers in adobo, cumin, oregano, garlic, lemon, and lime. A hearty and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal.
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 16 ounces dried pinto beans rinsed and sorted
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 chipotle chilies in adobo sauce
- 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from the chipotle chilies
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice approximately from one lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice approximately from one lime
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Water as needed to cover the beans during cooking
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté for approximately 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.
Incorporate the Beans and Seasonings
- Add the rinsed and sorted pinto beans to the pot, followed by the ground cumin, dried oregano, and finely chopped garlic. Stir to combine. Then add the bay leaves, two chipotle chilies, and two teaspoons of the adobo sauce from the can. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Add Water and Simmer the Beans
- Pour enough water into the pot to cover the beans by approximately 2 inches. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Adjust the heat as necessary to maintain a steady simmer. Cook the beans uncovered for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still hold their shape. Monitor the water level during cooking and add more as needed to keep the beans submerged.
Season and Add Citrus Juices
- Once the beans are tender, remove the pot from heat. Discard the bay leaves and chipotle chilies from the pot. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lime juice. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve
- Serve the Chipotle Pinto Beans warm as a side dish or as a component in burrito bowls, tacos, or salads.
Notes
This Chipotle Pinto Beans Recipe is naturally gluten-free when prepared with attention to the following details:
- Ensure that the chipotle chilies in adobo sauce are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat or gluten-containing ingredients.
- Verify that the ground cumin, oregano, and any other spices are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination risks.
- If serving the beans with tortillas or other accompaniments, select gluten-free options to maintain the integrity of a gluten-free meal.