The Spicy Ingredients That Turn Pinto Beans Into A Luxurious Winter Side (And The Toppings That Turn It Into A Meal) - Tasting Table

"If you are stuck with a bag or can of pinto beans and don't know what to do with them, all you need is a few spicy ingredients to make a whole meal you'll want to eat on repeat. Upgrading pinto beans like this is a great skill to build, because while it may seem silly to say, beans are having a moment."

"There are only four ingredients you need to make some of the most flavorful pinto beans of your life: chorizo, chili powder, jalapeños, and onion. The combination of salty meat and spicy chiles is a classic with pinto beans, with Mexican favorite charro beans using a similar mixture of bacon, hot green chiles like jalapeño or serrano, and tomatoes. Each one brings an element that even good pinto beans normally lack, with fat and salt from the chorizo,"

A few spicy ingredients can transform plain pinto beans into a satisfying, meal-worthy dish. Chorizo, chili powder, jalapeños, and onion supply fat, salt, smoky depth, and acidity, elevating the beans' flavor. Pinto beans are inexpensive and nutrient-dense, making them appealing for stretching budgets and boosting fiber intake. Crumbled tortilla chips add crunch and serve as scoops, while sour cream and crumbled Mexican cheese contribute richness and cooling contrast to heat. The combination recreates elements of Mexican charro beans and produces a creamy, spicy bowl that functions as both a hearty entree and a shareable dip.

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