Pat'S Picante Pintos(First Place Winner 1993 Fun Fest)
A hearty and spicy pintos dish featuring crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapenos, perfect for comfort food lovers and those who enjoy bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash pinto beans and begin cooking.
- Add bacon to the beans.
- Use the bacon grease to cook the chopped onion until slightly translucent.
- Add chopped cilantro, chopped jalapenos, and chopped tomatoes to the onion, cook for about 1 minute.
- Add the mixture to the beans and continue cooking until the beans are tender.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you want a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika to achieve a similar depth of flavor. Additionally, soaking the pinto beans overnight can reduce cooking time and improve texture. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pat's Picante Pintos alongside cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. They also pair wonderfully with grilled meats or can be used as a filling in tacos. For an extra layer of flavor, top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. This dish can also complement American recipes like BBQ or serve as a side for Pork Shoulder With Ham.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Pat's Picante Pintos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the beans gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if they seem too thick. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pat'S Picante Pintos(First Place Winner 1993 Fun Fest) contains roughly 267 calories, with 19g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (486% of the Daily Value), iron (162% of the Daily Value), and potassium (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1570mg per serving (68% 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 pinto beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans for a quicker preparation. Rinse and drain the beans before adding them to the sautéed vegetables. Cook until heated through, allowing about 15-20 minutes for the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed since canned beans may already contain salt.
What can I do if my beans are too watery?
If your beans are too watery, simply increase the heat and let them simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mash a portion of the beans to thicken the mixture without losing the overall texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
To make Pat's Picante Pintos ahead of time, prepare the dish as directed and let it cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
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).