Mexican Beans From the Pot

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Lentils are lower in calories and provide a similar texture.

jalapeño

🥗Healthier: serrano pepper

💰Cheaper: bell pepper

Serrano peppers add heat while bell peppers provide sweetness without spice.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is a cost-effective alternative for sautéing.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water

Water can substitute for broth if seasoning is adjusted.

Soak 0.5 pounds of pinto beans for several hours and discard the water.

Cut the small onion in half.

Place the soaked beans, onion halves, and garlic cloves into a regular aluminum pot.

Add a drizzle of oil to the pot.

Bring water to a simmer and add the pot contents.

Let the beans boil on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, checking constantly.

Do not add salt at this stage to prevent tough beans.

After 1 hour and 45 minutes, add chicken bouillon and let simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.

After 2 hours of cooking, check the beans; if they lack salt, add more bouillon and stop the heat.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: