Fresh Beans to eat with Pico de Gallo
This Pinto Beans with Pico de Gallo recipe is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together the earthy flavor of pinto beans and the refreshing zest of fresh salsa.
Perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main dish, the beans are cooked until tender and infused with garlic and olive oil, creating a comforting base.
Paired with vibrant Pico de Gallo—made with ripe tomatoes, zesty lime, and crunchy jalapeño—this meal is both simple and bursting with flavor. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy dinner, it’s a healthy choice that everyone will love!
Pinto Beans
Ingredients:
2.lb of pinto beans .
1/2 cup of olive oil
5 cloves of garlic.
1 teaspoon and a half of salt
Instructions:
Wash the beans. 5 .times.,
Then add 13 cups. of water
Add minced garlic and salt and oil
Then cook for 2 hours 30 minutes to medium heat or until the beans are soft.
Serve with Pico de Gallo
Pico De Gallo
Ingredients for Pico De Gallo
1 cup finely chopped white onion (about 1 small onion)
1 medium jalapeño or serrano pepper, ribs and seeds removed, finely chopped (decrease or omit if sensitive to spice, or add another if you love heat)
¼ cup lime juice
¾ teaspoon fine sea salt, more to taste
1 ½ pounds ripe red tomatoes (about 8 small or 4 large), chopped
½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (about 1 bunch)
Instructions for Pico De Gallo
In a medium serving bowl, combine the chopped onion, jalapeño, lime juice and salt.
Let it marinate for about 5 minutes while you chop the tomatoes and cilantro.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cilantro to the bowl and stir to combine.
Taste, and add more salt if the flavors don’t quite sing.
For the best flavor, let the mixture marinate for 15 minutes or several hours in the refrigerator.
Serve as a dip, or with a slotted spoon or large serving fork to avoid transferring too much watery tomato juice with your pico.
Pico de gallo keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.
Enjoy!
Notes:
Soaking the Beans: If you have time, soak the pinto beans in water for 6-8 hours or overnight. This can help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
Adjusting Salt: Be cautious with the salt, especially if you’re serving the dish with salty toppings or sides. You can always add more salt later if needed.
Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on the age of the beans and your stove. Check for tenderness after about 2 hours and adjust the cooking time as necessary.
Pico de Gallo Variations: Feel free to customize your Pico de Gallo! You can add diced bell peppers, corn, or avocado for additional flavor and texture.
Storage: Both the beans and Pico de Gallo can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The beans will keep for up to a week, while the Pico de Gallo is best enjoyed within 4 days.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or as a filling for tacos and burritos. You can also serve it as a topping for grilled meats or fish.
Spice Level: If you prefer a milder Pico de Gallo, be sure to remove all seeds and ribs from the jalapeño or opt for a milder pepper variety.
Nutrition Information:
Nutrition Facts for One Serving Size (Approx. 1 cup of cooked beans):
Calories: Pinto beans: 120 calories | Olive oil: 60 calories
Total Fat: Pinto beans: Minimal (less than 1 gram) | Olive oil: About 7 grams
Protein: Pinto beans: 7 grams
Carbohydrates: Pinto beans: 20 grams
Fiber: Pinto beans: 6 grams
Sodium: 600 milligrams
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it take to cook the pinto beans until they are soft?
The pinto beans typically take about 2 hours and 30 minutes to cook on medium heat until they are soft.
This duration may vary based on the freshness of the beans and your cooking method.
Can I adjust the amount of salt in the pinto beans recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preferences.
Start with the recommended amount and add more if needed after tasting.
Is it necessary to soak the pinto beans before cooking?
While it’s not explicitly mentioned in the recipe, soaking the beans overnight or using a quick soak method can help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
However, it’s not required if you’re cooking the beans for a longer duration.
Can I substitute olive oil with other types of oil in the pinto beans recipe?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with other cooking oils such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil based on your preference.
How should I store leftover Pico de Gallo?
Leftover Pico de Gallo can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Be sure to cover it well to prevent exposure to air, which can cause the tomatoes to spoil faster.
Do I need to soak the pinto beans before cooking?
While it’s not necessary, soaking the beans overnight or using a quick soak method can help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
Can I adjust the cooking time for the pinto beans?
Yes, you can adjust the cooking time based on your preference for bean tenderness.
Cooking for longer than 2 hours and 30 minutes can result in softer beans.
Is it possible to cook the pinto beans in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook the beans in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to significantly reduce cooking time.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking dried beans.
Can I use canned pinto beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can substitute canned pinto beans for dried beans to save time.
However, adjust the cooking method accordingly, as canned beans require less cooking time.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the Pico de Gallo?
You can control the spice level of the Pico de Gallo by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or serrano pepper used.
Removing the seeds and ribs can also reduce the heat.
Can I make Pico de Gallo ahead of time?
Yes, Pico de Gallo can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several hours or up to 4 days.
Marinating the mixture enhances the flavor.
What are some serving suggestions for Pico de Gallo?
Pico de Gallo can be served as a dip with tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or seafood, or as a side dish alongside Mexican-inspired meals.
Can I customize the ingredients in Pico de Gallo?
Yes, you can customize the ingredients in Pico de Gallo based on personal preference.
You can add ingredients like diced avocado, mango, or cucumber for variation.
How do I store leftover cooked pinto beans?
Leftover cooked pinto beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer-term storage.
Can I freeze Pico de Gallo for later use?
While Pico de Gallo can be frozen, the texture of the tomatoes and onions may become watery upon thawing.
It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for short-term use.