Farmers Market
A vibrant, hearty vegetable and bean stew featuring fresh summer squash, corn, green beans, and smoky chili flavors, perfect for a garden harvest or farmer's market visit.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 pound tomatoes, chopped, juice reserved ⓘ
- 2 ancho chiles
- 1 pound mixed summer squash ⓘ
- 4 ears corn, kernels shaved off ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons corn or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 yellow onions, cut into 1/4 inch squares ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons red chili powder ⓘ
- 8 ounces green beans, cut into 1-inch lengths ⓘ
- 4 ounces Jack or Muenster cheese, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the soaked pinto beans in plenty of water with salt, bay leaf, and oregano for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours until soft but not mushy.
- Remove from heat, drain the beans, and save the broth.
- Prepare the tomatoes by chopping them and reserving the juice.
- Open the chili pods, remove seeds and veins, and cut into narrow strips.
- Cut the squash into large pieces.
- Shave the kernels from the corn ears.
- Heat oil in a large skillet and sauté the onions over high heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Lower the heat, add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and coriander, and stir everything together.
- Add a little bean broth to prevent scorching, then cook until onions soften, about 4 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the squash, corn, green beans, chili strips, cooked beans, and enough broth to make a fairly wet stew.
- Cook slowly until the vegetables are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Stir in grated cheese and chopped cilantro.
- Garnish with whole cilantro leaves and serve with cornbread or tortillas.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. If pinto beans are unavailable, black beans can be a great substitute. Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or using jalapeños. For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the cooked beans before adding them to the stew. This dish pairs beautifully with Egg Enchiladas(For Lent Or Anytime) for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew with cornbread or warm tortillas for dipping. A fresh salad, like Mexican Rice Salad, complements the flavors well and adds a refreshing contrast. Consider topping the stew with additional grated cheese or avocado slices for extra richness. Garnish with cilantro leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. It can also be reheated in the microwave for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Farmers Market contains roughly 1458 calories, with 84g protein, 218g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (768% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (268% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried pinto beans?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans for a quicker preparation. Drain and rinse them, then add them to the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking to heat through. This method significantly reduces cooking time while still yielding a delicious dish.
What can I do if I don't have ancho chiles?
If ancho chiles are unavailable, try using guajillo chiles for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, you can incorporate a bit of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust the amounts according to your taste preference to maintain the stew's depth of flavor.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this stew vegan, simply omit the cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. Ensure that the broth used is vegetable-based. This dish is naturally vegetarian, making it easy to adjust for a vegan diet while still being hearty and satisfying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).