Welcome to the world of hearty, comforting, and wholesome meals. Here's a delightful dish of pinto beans and rice. It's a perfect blend of savory, spicy, and a hint of sweetness. This recipe is a great way to bring the diverse flavors of the world into your kitchen. It's simple to make, but packed full of flavor. It's guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body. Let's dive right in.
Photos of Pinto Beans and Rice Recipe
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are staples you'll likely have in your pantry. But you might need to get a few items from the supermarket. The pico de gallo, a fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime, is a must-have for garnishing. Also, this recipe uses pinto beans, which are a type of kidney bean that's popular in Mexican and Southwestern US cuisine. They're packed with protein and fiber, and add a creamy texture to the dish. For the rice, it's best to use long-grain white rice, which holds its shape well when cooked, and absorbs flavors beautifully.
Ingredients for Pinto Beans and Rice Delight
Long grain white rice: The backbone of this dish, providing a neutral base for all the other flavors.\n**Olive oil: Used for sautéing the rice, it adds a richness to the dish.\nTomato sauce: Adds a tangy, sweet flavor that complements the beans.\nRed bell pepper: Gives a sweet, slightly smoky flavor.\nPinto beans: The star of the show, these beans are hearty and satisfying.\nChicken stock or vegetable broth: Used to cook the rice and beans, it adds a ton of flavor.\nTomato paste: Gives the bean sauce a thick, rich texture.\nSpices (kosher salt, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin): These seasonings give the dish its signature savory, spicy kick.\nTomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add a burst of freshness and acidity to the dish.\nPico de gallo**: This fresh salsa is the perfect garnish, adding a vibrant, fresh touch.
One reader, Dewey Schumann says:
This pinto beans and rice delight is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and comforting, and the combination of beans and rice is just perfect. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that's easy to make. I love how versatile it is, and it's become a staple in my weekly menu. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required
How to prepare rice: Toast the rice in olive oil until lightly browned, then add tomato sauce, bell pepper, chicken stock, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook on low heat for 17 minutes before letting it stand for an additional 5 minutes.
How to prepare beans: Combine pinto beans, chicken stock, tomato paste, salt, and chili powder in a pan. Simmer over medium-high heat for 7 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning and consistency as needed.
How To Make Pinto Beans and Rice
Put together a Mexican side with these pinto beans cooked in tomato paste and broth. It’s served over spiced rice tossed with bell peppers and tomatoes.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 1cuplong grain white rice
- 1tbspolive oil
- 8oztomato sauce,(1 can)
- 1red bell pepper,cored, seeded and quartered
- 1½cupschicken stock or vegetable broth
- ¾tspkosher salt
- 1tspgarlic powder
- ¼tspchili powder
- ¼tspcumin
- ½cuptomatoes,diced and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro for garnish, optional
For the Beans:
- 15ozpinto beans,(1 can) drained and rinsed
- ½cupchicken stock or vegetable broth
- 1tbsptomato paste
- ¾tspsalt
- ¾tspchili powder
- ½cuppico de gallo,for garnish, optional
Instructions
Rice:
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Heat the olive oil in a 2-quart pot over medium heat. Add the rice and stir until the rice is coated in the oil. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the rice is toasted and lightly browned.
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Add all of the remaining ingredients. Do this off the heat to avoid splattering.
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Return the pot to the burner, bring the contents to a boil.
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Cover the pot and turn the heat to low; cook for 17 minutes.
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Take the pot off the heat and let it stand, covered for 5 minutes. Remove and discard bell peppers. Stir well. Garnish with tomatoes and green onions if desired.
Beans:
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Put all of the ingredients in a pan over medium-high heat, bring to a simmer. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
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Taste and add more salt or chili powder if needed. Add a bit more chicken stock if the sauce gets too thick for liking. Garnish with pico de gallo if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 324.30kcal
- Fat: 4.38g
- Saturated Fat: 0.77g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.32g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.81g
- Carbohydrates: 54.01g
- Fiber: 12.44g
- Sugar: 6.97g
- Protein: 18.24g
- Cholesterol: 2.40mg
- Sodium: 577.33mg
- Calcium: 94.19mg
- Potassium: 1298.44mg
- Iron: 4.50mg
- Vitamin A: 54.23µg
- Vitamin C: 35.71mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Pinto Beans and Rice Delight
When cooking the rice, it's important to ensure it's toasted and lightly browned before adding the other ingredients. This process, known as pilaf method, not only gives the rice a nutty flavor but also helps each grain to keep its shape and not stick together. Similarly, when simmering the pinto beans, be sure to keep an eye on the thickness of the sauce. It should be rich and flavorful, but not overly thick. If it does become too thick, don't hesitate to add a bit more chicken stock or vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pinto Beans and Rice Delight
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and make the pico de gallo in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Consider cooking the rice and beans in the same pot to minimize cleanup and save time.
Use canned beans: Opt for canned pinto beans instead of dried ones to skip the soaking and cooking time.
Double batch: Make a larger quantity and store the leftovers for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.
Efficient multitasking: While the rice is cooking, prepare the beans simultaneously to expedite the overall cooking time.
Substitute Ingredients For Pinto Beans and Rice Recipe
pinto beans - Substitute with black beans: Black beans have a similar texture and flavor to pinto beans, making them a suitable substitute in this dish.
long grain white rice - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice is a healthier alternative with a nuttier flavor and more nutritional value than white rice.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a good substitute for olive oil in cooking.
tomato sauce - Substitute with diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce, providing a chunkier texture and fresh flavor.
red bell pepper - Substitute with green bell pepper: Green bell peppers can be used as a substitute for red bell peppers, offering a slightly different flavor profile.
chicken stock or vegetable broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth can add a rich umami flavor to the dish, similar to chicken or vegetable broth.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Minced garlic can be used as a substitute for garlic powder, offering a more intense and fresh garlic flavor.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a substitute for chili powder, providing a milder flavor and vibrant color.
cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander can be used as a substitute for cumin, offering a similar earthy and citrusy flavor profile.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing convenience and a consistent flavor.
pinto beans - Substitute with kidney beans: Kidney beans have a similar texture and flavor to pinto beans, making them a suitable substitute in this dish.
chicken stock or vegetable broth - Substitute with water: Water can be used as a substitute for chicken stock or vegetable broth, although it may result in a slightly less flavorful dish.
tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can be used as a substitute for tomato paste, providing a sweet and tangy flavor.
pico de gallo - Substitute with salsa: Salsa can be used as a substitute for pico de gallo, offering a similar combination of tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
Best Way to Present Pinto Beans and Rice Delight
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, carefully arrange the rice and beans in a visually appealing manner on the plate. Use colorful and vibrant ingredients to add visual interest and create an enticing presentation.
Incorporate garnishes: Sprinkle a touch of freshly chopped cilantro over the dish to add a pop of green color and a burst of fresh flavor. Additionally, consider adding a slice of lime for a refreshing citrus element that complements the flavors of the dish.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose sophisticated and modern serving dishes that complement the colors of the dish and enhance the overall dining experience. Consider using porcelain or earthenware plates for a refined presentation.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that the rice and beans are arranged with meticulous attention to detail. Precision in plating demonstrates a high level of culinary skill and attention to the dish's visual appeal.
Create a harmonious balance: Aim for a balanced composition on the plate, considering factors such as color contrast, negative space, and the arrangement of the rice and beans. Strive to create a visually stunning presentation that reflects the dish's exquisite flavors.
Essential Tools for Making This Recipe
- 2-quart pot: A small-sized pot suitable for cooking rice and beans.
- Pan: A shallow, flat-bottomed cooking vessel used for simmering the beans.
- Stove: A cooking appliance used for heating the pots and pans.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool used for stirring and serving the rice and beans.
- Knife: Used for chopping the red bell pepper and tomatoes.
- Cutting board: A flat surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Measuring cup and spoons: Used for accurately measuring the ingredients.
- Can opener: For opening the cans of pinto beans and tomato sauce.
- Stirring spoon: Used for stirring the rice and beans while cooking.
- Lid: Used for covering the pot while cooking the rice.
- Grater: For grating cheese if desired as a garnish.
How To Store and Freeze This Dish
- Let the pinto beans and rice cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the pinto beans and rice delight, follow these steps:
- Divide the cooled dish into individual serving portions.
- Place each portion into a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. If using bags, make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
- To reheat the frozen pinto beans and rice:
- Thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the thawed dish into a microwave-safe container and reheat in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if needed to prevent the dish from drying out.
- If you have any leftover pico de gallo or tomatoes, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator and use them as toppings when serving the reheated pinto beans and rice delight.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- To reheat leftover pinto beans and rice delight, start by transferring the desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the rice from drying out during the reheating process.
- Microwave the pinto beans and rice on high power for 1-2 minutes, depending on the quantity. Stir the mixture halfway through to ensure even heating and to redistribute any pockets of heat.
- If you prefer to reheat the pinto beans and rice delight on the stovetop, place the desired portion in a non-stick pan or saucepan. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to the pan to help moisten the rice and prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Heat the pinto beans and rice over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it is heated through and steaming. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the quantity.
- For a crispy texture, you can also reheat the pinto beans and rice delight in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the desired portion to an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out.
- Bake the pinto beans and rice in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
- Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the pinto beans and rice delight and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a splash of chicken stock, a pinch of salt, or a dash of chili powder to enhance the flavors.
- Once the pinto beans and rice is heated through, garnish it with fresh pico de gallo and chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and added texture. Serve the reheated pinto beans and rice delight immediately and enjoy!
Random Fact about Pinto Beans and Rice Delight:
Pinto beans and rice are a classic combination in many cultures, providing a complete protein and essential nutrients.
Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This pinto beans and rice delight recipe is highly cost-effective for households. The ingredients, such as pinto beans, rice, and vegetable broth, are affordable and readily available. The dish offers a balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a budget-friendly and nutritious option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious flavor.
Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The pinto beans and rice delight recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Here's a breakdown of the recipe's health aspects:
- Pinto beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals
- Brown rice provides complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients
- The inclusion of vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes adds vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the dish
- Using chicken stock or vegetable broth instead of water enhances the flavor without adding excessive calories or fat
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Opt for low-sodium chicken stock or vegetable broth to reduce the overall sodium content
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables in the dish, such as adding diced onions, carrots, or celery
- Experiment with different spices and herbs to enhance flavor without relying on salt, such as oregano, thyme, or smoked paprika
- Reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe, as the stock and tomato products already contain some sodium
- Consider using a lean protein source, such as chicken or turkey, to complement the beans and create a more well-rounded meal
By incorporating these suggestions, you can elevate the nutritional value of the pinto beans and rice delight while maintaining its delicious flavor profile. The dish can be a satisfying and wholesome option for a quick and easy meal that the whole family can enjoy.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Recipe
This recipe for pinto beans and rice delight is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The rice is perfectly seasoned and cooked to fluffy perfection, while the pinto beans are rich and savory. The addition of bell peppers, tomatoes, and pico de gallo adds a refreshing and vibrant touch to the dish. The recipe is well-balanced and offers a satisfying and wholesome meal. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side. Overall, it's a fantastic recipe that brings together the comforting goodness of beans and rice with a burst of delicious flavors.
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Why trust this Pinto Beans and Rice Recipe:
This recipe is a true classic that brings together the comforting flavors of pinto beans and rice. The combination of tomato sauce, bell pepper, and spices infuses the rice with rich and aromatic flavors. The pinto beans are simmered in a savory blend of chicken stock and tomato paste, creating a hearty and satisfying dish. With the addition of fresh pico de gallo, this recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Trust in the simplicity and authenticity of this recipe for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.
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