One Pot Dish: Pinto Beans with Rice

pinto beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: navy beans

Black beans are nutritious and similar in texture.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is more affordable and has a neutral flavor.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Vinegar provides acidity at a lower cost.

cilantro

💰Cheaper: parsley

Parsley is a cost-effective herb with a mild flavor.

Soak 1 bag of pinto beans in a bowl filled with water for at least 6 to 8 hours, checking for discolored beans and rocks.

Drain and rinse the soaked beans and set aside.

In a medium to large pot, add 6 oz of bacon cut into small pieces and turn the stove to medium-high heat.

Cook the bacon until crispy, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, then remove it from the pot and set aside, leaving the grease in the pot.

Add 1/3 cup of bell pepper and 1/3 cup of onion to the bacon grease, turn the heat down to medium, and cook until the veggies are tender, about a few minutes.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic to the pot and allow it to infuse for about a minute.

Add the drained pinto beans, cooked bacon, 1/2 tablespoon of Nature's Seasons, 1/2 tablespoon of cumin powder, and salt and pepper to taste, stirring thoroughly to combine.

Pour in 7 1/2 cups of water, ensuring the beans are submerged, and add 1 chicken bouillon cube, then stir and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

After 1 hour, check the beans for tenderness and cook for an additional 15 minutes if needed, adding 1 to 2 more cups of water if necessary.

Add 2 cups of uncooked rice to the pot, stir, and bring back to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Taste the liquid during cooking to adjust seasonings, adding more Nature's Seasons and cumin if desired, and add more water if the rice isn't fully cooked.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: