Chipotle Pinto Beans

These spicy and flavorful beans are absurdly easy to make.  I made them for the first time with just what I had lying around the house.  The chipotle peppers really make this dish, but the Canadian Bacon really added another element and depth to the flavor.  I often make these beans to serve with any kind of Mexican dish I might make.

Makes about 4 – 6 servings
Total Calories per pot = about 730
Calories per serving = (4) about 183 or (6) about 122

Ingredients:

• 2 cans 15.5 oz. pinto beans (about 80 cal. per serving or 560 cal. total)
  Note: Some brands have much higher calories, so read labels.  Goya brand is pretty good.
• 1/2 medium-large onion roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  Note: Instead of the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt, you can try using a tablespoon of pre-mixed low-sodium Adobo seasoning.
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 or 2 chipotle peppers from a can (about 50 cal.)
• 2 teaspoons of adobo sauce from chipotle peppers in a can
• 1 cup of water (or enough to just cover the beans)
  
• Optional, but highly recommended: 3 to 6 slices of Canadian Bacon (about 20 calories per slice or 120 cal. total)

Equipment:

• Medium sauce pot
• Colander
• Spoon or wooden spoon for stirring
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Teaspoon measurement
• Measuring Cup

Directions:

1. Rinse the beans under cold water and place into the sauce pot.
2. Chop the onion roughly into 1/2 inch pieces and put into the pot with the beans.
3. Add the cup of water and bring the beans to a low boil at medium-high heat.
4. Chop the Canadian Bacon into small 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch pieces.
5. Once low boil is achieved, add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a low boil again.
6. Let all of the ingredients simmer on low heat and covered for at least 30 min, but 45 min is recommended while stirring every 15 min or so.
7. After that, remove the bay leaf and take out the chipotle peppers if you don’t want to accidentally eat them with the beans.
8. Then serve hot as a side dish. Goes great with Mexican food like tacos and burritos, either on the side or even inside.
   

About these ads