Pinto Bean and Vegetable Symphony
This pinto bean and vegetable symphony is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cold winter night. The beans are cooked in a savory vegetable broth until they're tender but still retain their shape, and then they're combined with a medley of vegetables, including onion, bell peppers, corn, and black beans. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and it's sure to please everyone at the table.
This recipe is inspired by the classic Mexican dish, frijoles borrachos, or "drunken beans." Frijoles borrachos are typically made with pinto beans, beer, and a variety of spices, and they're often served as a side dish or as part of a larger meal. I've adapted the classic recipe to make it easier to prepare and more suitable for a weeknight meal. I've eliminated the beer and replaced it with vegetable broth, and I've also reduced the number of spices. The result is a dish that's still flavorful and satisfying, but it's also much easier to make. This dish is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. You can add any vegetables you like, so feel free to experiment. I often add diced zucchini, squash, or tomatoes to my pinto bean and vegetable symphony.
Pinto Bean and Vegetable Symphony Pinto Bean and Vegetable Symphony Pinto Bean and Vegetable Symphony Pinto Bean and Vegetable Symphony
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 75 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup dried pinto beans, picked over and rinsed
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
  1. In a large pot, combine the pinto beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender but still retain their shape.
  2. Add the onion, bell peppers, corn, and black beans to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Stir in the cilantro and serve hot.
Why It Works
  • The combination of pinto beans and vegetables provides a good balance of protein and fiber.
  • The vegetable broth adds flavor and nutrients to the dish.
  • The cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the other ingredients well.