Canned pinto beans can be quite bland on their own, but with a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can easily enhance their flavor and make them taste much better. Here are some ideas to make your canned pinto beans more delicious:
Rinse the Beans: Before using the canned pinto beans, drain and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. This helps remove excess sodium and the starchy liquid that they come in.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat a bit of olive oil or butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onions, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. This forms a flavorful base for your beans.
Spice It Up: Add spices to the sautéed aromatics. Common options include cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and even a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. Stir the spices into the onions and garlic for about a minute to release their flavors.
Incorporate Tomato Sauce or Paste: Adding a bit of tomato sauce or tomato paste can give your pinto beans a rich and savory flavor. Stir it into the sautéed aromatics and spices before adding the beans.
Use Broth or Stock: Instead of using plain water, use vegetable broth or chicken broth to cook the beans. This adds depth and richness to the flavor.
Add Some Acid: A splash of acidic ingredients like lime or lemon juice can brighten up the taste of the beans. Add it towards the end of cooking or when serving.
Consider Sweetness: A touch of sweetness can balance the flavors. You can add a bit of brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup to the beans, especially if you've added some heat from spices.
Enhance with Bacon or Ham (optional): For a meatier flavor, you can add diced bacon or ham during the sautéing stage. Cook until it's slightly crispy before adding the beans and broth.
Simmer and Let the Flavors Blend: Allow the beans to simmer in the seasoned broth for at least 15-20 minutes. The longer they cook, the more the flavors will meld together.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, spices, or other ingredients to suit your preference.
Once your canned pinto beans are seasoned and cooked to your liking, they'll taste much better and can be served as a delicious side dish or used as a filling for burritos, tacos, or salads.