Two-Bean Ragout
A hearty two-bean ragout packed with bold flavors from chili, cumin, and jalapeno, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large jalapeno pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can chopped tomatoes, with juice ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can Northern beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pinto beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup defatted chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the onion and garlic in olive oil over low heat for about 6 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped jalapeno, chili powder, and cumin; cook while stirring for about 1 minute.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and stir in the drained beans and chicken broth.
- Cover and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Stir in the sugar and cook about 5 minutes more.
- Season with salt to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onions until they're caramelized. You can substitute black beans for either the Northern or pinto beans for a different texture. If you prefer a milder dish, use a bell pepper instead of jalapeno. This ragout can also be enhanced with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Serve it with warm tortillas or over rice for a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Two-Bean Ragout with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes like Jalapeno Chicken or Chicken Fajita Pizza. For a fresh touch, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top. A simple green salad can complement this dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals until hot. This ragout also freezes well; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Two-Bean Ragout contains roughly 649 calories, with 21g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (136% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (123% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2368mg per serving (103% 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 add meat to this ragout?
Yes, you can incorporate ground chicken or turkey for added protein. Brown the meat in the pot before adding the onions and garlic. This will create a heartier dish, complementing the beans and spices well.
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).