Smoky Pinto Beans Recipe

Name: Smoky Pinto Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound dried pinto beans, picked over; 1/2 white onion, plus more, finely chopped, for garnish; 2 garlic cloves, crushed; 2 dried avocado leaves; 1 teaspoon dried epazote; 3 fresh cilantro sprigs; Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper; 2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped; 2 ounces cotija cheese, crumbled; Lime wedges, for serving

Servings: persons

1
Cover the beans with cold water by 2 inches in a bowl; refrigerate 8 hours.
2
Drain the beans; transfer to a small stockpot.
3
Add the onion, garlic, avocado leaves, epazote, and cilantro; cover with cold water by 2 inches.
4
Bring to a boil; add 1 tablespoon salt.
5
Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, adding water as needed to cover the beans, until the beans are tender and the liquid is soupy, 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
6
Discard the avocado leaves.
7
Season with salt and pepper.
8
Garnish with onion, tomatoes, and cheese.
9
Serve with lime wedges.

307

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 pound dried pinto beans, picked over, 1/2 white onion, plus more, finely chopped, for garnish, 2 garlic cloves, crushed, 2 dried avocado leaves, and more.

Yes, Smoky Pinto Beans falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Smoky Pinto Beans

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions