Seasoning for Pinto Beans

Pinto beans have countless culinary uses as well as a range of nutritional benefits. According to Martha Archuleta of New Mexico State University, 1 cup of pinto beans contains 1/4 of the USDA's recommended daily protein intake. Pintos are also an excellent source of fiber, B vitamins, niacin, thiamin and riboflavin. You can season pinto beans with meats such as ham or bacon, or you can add spices to create flavorful, low-fat, meatless recipes.

Vegetarian Pinto Beans

Step 1

Mince 2 cloves of garlic and chop 1 onion.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a medium-size skillet.

Step 3

Add the onion and garlic along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of mild or hot chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook for about five minutes, until the onion is translucent.

Step 4

Add 2 cups of cooked or canned pinto beans. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring often, until the beans are heated through and start to break down.

Slow-Cooker Pintos With Bacon

Step 1

Clean dried pintos by spreading them on a table or a tray and looking through them for stones or foreign particles.

Step 2

Put the pintos in a slow cooker along with water to cover, two strips of bacon and 1 teaspoon of salt for each pound of dried beans.

Step 3

Cook on low for six to eight hours, until the pinto beans are soft. Add black pepper to taste.

Things You'll Need

• Medium-size skillet

• 1 onion

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 tbsp. olive oil

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 2 tsp. mild or hot chili powder

• 1 tsp. ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

• 2 cups cooked or canned pinto beans

• Dried pinto beans

• Slow cooker

• Bacon

• Salt

• Pepper