This Is The Best Way To Cook Pinto Beans

Though perhaps not as popular as other beans and legumes like black beans and chickpeas, pinto beans are actually a nutritional powerhouse. There are several benefits to eating pinto beans with regularity. As per Healthline, this is a relatively easy dish to prepare with a distinctly earthy taste. Pinto beans are also packed with vitamins and minerals such as iron, potassium, and magnesium that can be a big boost to your health. Not to mention, when cooked on their own, pinto beans are low in fat and cholesterol-free.

They're also a great source of fiber, which can help you regulate your digestive system. Additionally, they're rich in antioxidants and can help your body fight against harmful free radicals. Pinto beans also come with other possible health benefits including aiding your weight loss efforts. All of the pinto's fiber content can help you feel full and thereby contribute to less snacking.

In case you're wondering what's the best way to prepare pinto beans, here is a little help.

As explained by The Kitchn, pinto beans happen to be a super versatile ingredient. You don't need to feel restricted if you're cooking with pinto beans. Their buttery, creamy texture fits nicely into Mexican cuisine, from high-protein chilaquiles to homemade burritos, tacos, and tostadas. Pinto beans also do nicely on a salad, can star in chili, and thicken soups really well.

The best way to prepare pinto beans, though, isn't complicated. You can skip the cans. All you need to do is to plan a little. For example, dried beans that are fresher will cook faster so try to buy a fresh batch when you're out on a grocery run. Usually, you need around two hours to cook pinto beans. As explained by The Kitchn, you don't even need to soak your beans if they are fresh. First, rinse your pinto beans and place them in a large pot. Add water, and if you like, seasonings such as onion, garlic cloves, salt, bay leaf, and a small bit of baking soda. After bringing the pinto beans to a boil, simmer them until tender. Toss away your seasonings after cooking.

However, if you feel like you need a little more help, follow this Redditor's advice, especially if you prefer to soak your beans. Their comment reads, "It's easy to cook them. Just soak overnight, drain, cover with cool water about one inch above the beans." After that, they recommend boiling the beans for around four hours and then add seasoning options like red pepper, bacon, and onion.