Ella Walter
Vegetarian pinto beans are a versatile and tasty dish that can be made in a crock pot. They are a great option for meal prep as they can be frozen and used later. While the beans can be soaked before cooking, this is not necessary. However, it is important to note that soaked beans will cook more quickly and have a softer texture. To cook vegetarian pinto beans in a crock pot, simply add the desired ingredients, cover with water or broth, and cook on high for around six to eight hours, or on low for seven to ten hours, stirring occasionally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soaking | Recommended but not required; soaking helps clean the beans, break them down, and reduce cooking time |
| Soaking Time | 8 hours to overnight; alternatively, a quick soak can be done by boiling the beans for 1.5 hours |
| Ingredients | Pinto beans, water or broth, onions, bell peppers, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle meco, tomato paste |
| Optional Ingredients | Jalapenos, oregano, ham, lard, bay leaves, chicken broth |
| Cooking Time | 5-10 hours on high; 7-10 hours on low |
| Serving Suggestions | Whole, with bean juice for a soup-style bowl; mashed with bean liquid for refried beans; in burritos, nachos, quesadillas, fajitas, or as a side dish |
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What You'll Learn
Soak or no soak?
Soaking pinto beans before cooking them in a crock pot is a matter of preference. While some recipes recommend it, others claim that it is unnecessary.
Soaking pinto beans can reduce the cooking time by a few hours, depending on the temperature setting of the crock pot. Soaking also helps to clean the beans, making them more digestible by releasing indigestible sugars. This can reduce gas later. Additionally, adding salt to the soaking liquid helps create the perfect consistency in the beans by softening the skins, allowing the beans and skins to cook simultaneously and reducing the number of beans that blow out of their skins.
On the other hand, not soaking the beans can save time and effort, making the cooking process more convenient. It is possible to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio to cook the beans thoroughly without prior soaking.
Whether you choose to soak or not soak your pinto beans, the crock pot cooking method allows you to prepare a large batch of tasty, nutritious, and versatile beans with minimal attention throughout the day.
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Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time for vegetarian pinto beans in a crock pot varies depending on the desired tenderness and the specific slow cooker being used. It is recommended to cook the beans for at least 6.5 to 8 hours on high heat, testing the beans for tenderness near the end of the cooking time. If the beans are not yet tender, they can be cooked for an additional hour or two until the desired tenderness is achieved.
For whole pinto beans, it is suggested to serve them with the bean juice, resulting in a soup-style bowl. For a thicker consistency, such as refried beans, the beans can be mashed or pureed after cooking, adding bean liquid as needed. It is important to note that refried beans tend to thicken as they cool, so it is advisable to aim for a slightly runny texture initially.
The amount of water or cooking liquid used can also impact the cooking time. Some recipes recommend using enough water or broth to cover all the ingredients, while others suggest doubling the amount of liquid to ensure the beans are fully submerged during cooking. It may be necessary to add more liquid during the cooking process to prevent the beans from drying out.
Soaking the beans before cooking can reduce the overall cooking time and improve digestibility. Quick-soaking methods involve rinsing the beans, covering them with water, bringing them to a boil, and then letting them soak in the hot water for about an hour or two. Alternatively, beans can be soaked overnight and then rinsed before cooking. Soaking helps to clean the beans, release indigestible sugars, and soften the skins, resulting in more consistent cooking.
In summary, the cooking time for vegetarian pinto beans in a crock pot can range from 5 to 10 hours or more, depending on the desired tenderness, the specific slow cooker, and whether the beans are soaked before cooking. Adjustments to the cooking time may also be necessary based on the amount of liquid used and the consistency desired for the final dish.
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Seasoning and flavouring
Firstly, it is important to note that the type and amount of seasoning and flavouring you use can be adjusted based on your preferences. You can also add or remove ingredients based on what you have available. For example, if you want to make a vegan dish, you can omit the ham hock or bacon grease that some recipes call for.
When it comes to seasoning, salt and pepper are commonly used in crockpot pinto bean recipes. You can also add spices such as cumin, cayenne, paprika (smoked or regular), oregano, and garlic powder. If you want to add a spicy kick, include some chilli peppers or jalapenos. You can roast the chilli for added flavour before adding it to the pot. Additionally, consider using chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of water to add more flavour to the beans.
Some recipes also suggest adding herbs such as cilantro, coriander, or bay leaves. If you want to add a tangy twist, you can include lime juice or zest. For a heartier flavour, you can use ham hock or bacon, cooking the bacon until crisp and then adding it to the crockpot with the beans.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of seasonings and flavourings to find your perfect taste. Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, especially if you are using ingredients that you haven't used before or are unsure about the quantities.
Lastly, while not directly related to seasoning and flavouring, it is worth mentioning that soaking your beans before cooking can impact their flavour. Soaking helps to remove indigestible sugars, making them easier to digest and reducing their gas-producing effects. It also allows you to control the salt content, as you can add salt to the soaking liquid, which helps to soften the bean skins and create a more consistent texture.
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What to serve them with
Vegetarian pinto beans cooked in a crock pot are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve them with:
Burritos, Quesadillas, or Fajitas
You can use crock pot pinto beans as a filling for burritos, quesadillas, or fajitas. Add some Mexican spices like cumin and cayenne, and other ingredients such as salsa, guacamole, and cilantro for extra flavour.
Nachos
Vegetarian pinto beans make a great topping for nachos. You can use them as a replacement for refried beans and serve them with tortilla chips, or try them with potato nachos.
Rice Bowl
Pinto beans can be served with rice, and with the addition of a fried egg and avocado on top, it becomes a filling vegetarian meal. You can also add them to burrito bowls.
Salad
Crock pot pinto beans can be a tasty addition to a salad. Try them with a summer bean salad that includes asparagus and green pepper, or a simple salad with lettuce and other vegetables.
Soup or Stew
Pinto beans can be added to soups or stews, especially those with Mexican flavours. Try them with fire-roasted tomatoes, chilli, and spices like smoked paprika and cayenne. You can also make a pinto bean soup by serving the beans with their cooking liquid.
Curry
Pinto beans can be used in a curry, especially one with a spicy tomato broth. Try them with canned tomatoes, frozen spinach, and spices like coriander, turmeric, and cayenne. Serve the curry with roti or turmeric quinoa.
As a Side
Vegetarian pinto beans can also be served as a simple side dish, either on their own or with a baked potato and toppings such as cheese, salsa, and other Tex-Mex favourites.
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How to store them
Storing your vegetarian pinto beans is a straightforward process. Once you have cooked your beans, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you have made a large batch, you can also freeze them.
Freezing is a great option as it allows you to store the beans in smaller portions, so you can take out only what you need for a meal. Reusable plastic storage bags are ideal for this, as you can fill them, then flatten them slightly for efficient storage in the freezer. You can also use containers or jars, but be sure to leave some space at the top, as the liquid will expand when frozen.
If you plan to freeze your beans, it is important to cool them quickly after cooking. Place the pot in a sink of cold water and stir the beans occasionally to speed up the cooling process. Once cooled, portion out the beans into your chosen containers and freeze.
To defrost, simply take a portion out of the freezer the night before you plan to eat them and place them in the refrigerator to thaw. You can also defrost beans quickly by placing the frozen container in a sink of cold water. Once defrosted, your beans will last for around four days in the refrigerator.
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