RECIPESPRODUCTSPANTRYSHOPPING

Pinto Beans

Pinto beans, scientifically known as Phaseolus vulgaris, are versatile and nutritious legumes. They are a staple ingredient in various cuisines around the globe, most notably in Latin American and Mexican dishes, where they are an essential component of tasty meals like soups and stews. Pinto beans are characterized by their tan color, splashed with dark brown speckles, resembling a painted canvas. Canned pinto beans typically contain pinto beans and water. They can also contain salt and other ingredients like firming agents. The beans are carefully sorted, cleaned, and cooked to perfection before being sealed in a can to lock in their freshness. Packed in airtight cans, the prepared pinto beans have a long shelf life, ensuring you always have a convenient source of protein and fiber on hand. The easy-open cans make meal preparation a breeze, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. These beans pack an impressive punch of nutrients, being an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and other vitamins and minerals. Their high nutritional value, along with their affordability, has made them an indispensable part of many households' pantries over the years.
#5
IN BEANS & LEGUMES
347
CAL / 100G
$0.05
AVG / OZ
pinto beans
73%
CARBS
1%
FAT
25%
PROTEIN
Pinto Beans FAQ
Cooking with pinto beans can sometimes be daunting especially when one does not know the ins and outs of these nutritious legumes. A common mistake made when cooking pinto beans is not soaking them prior to cooking. Soaking pinto beans not only shortens their cooking time but also enables them to cook more evenly. Furthermore, adding a bit of salt or acidic substances during the early stages of cooking can prevent the beans from softening. Hence, season the beans towards the end of cooking. To get the most out of your pinto beans, consider purchasing dry beans instead of canned ones. Dry beans are not only economical but also allow you to control the ultimate flavour by adding your choice of spices and herbs. Another little-known trick is the 'quick-soak' method: If you forgot to soak your beans overnight, simply put your beans in a pot with plenty of water, bring it to a boil for a couple of minutes, and turn off the heat and let it sit covered for an hour. This method can save the day! Lastly, always pair your pinto beans with a grain like rice to create a complete protein, which is essential for vegetarians and vegans who are not getting their protein from meat.
How to cook pinto beans from scratch?
Can pinto beans be eaten raw?
Does soaking pinto beans reduce gas?
Can pinto beans be cooked in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
Should I add salt while cooking pinto beans?
Why are my cooked pinto beans still hard?
How to flavor pinto beans?
Do pinto beans need to be soaked before cooking?
How long should you boil pinto beans?
Can dogs eat pinto beans?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does pinto beans expire?
Unopened pinto beans have a shelf life of 2-3 years provided they are stored in a cool, dry location. They're definitely okay to consume past the printed date on the package as long as they’ve been stored appropriately. Once opened, their shelf life reduces to about 1 year. If you cook your pinto beans, leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days for safety. Freezing cooked pinto beans can extend their life up to 6 months.
How do you tell if pinto beans is bad?
If your pinto beans give off a noticeably strong and sour smell, it’s a clear sign they’ve gone bad. In addition, if you notice any discoloration, mold, or rot, toss them out immediately. For cooked pinto beans, if you see a change in color or texture, or note a strange smell, it's better to err on the side of caution and discard them.
Tips for storing pinto beans to extend shelf life
• Store the unopened beans in a cool, dry place. A pantry or kitchen cupboard away from the stove, sink, and any heat or steam-spewing appliances is ideal. • Once you've opened your pinto beans, be sure to keep them in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving the container open to prevent moisture and other contaminants from spoiling the beans. • If you’ve cooked pinto beans, store the leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Try to consume them within 3-4 days. • If you choose to freeze your cooked pinto beans, let them cool before transferring them into airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to leave a bit of space at the top as beans expand as they freeze. • To defrost frozen pinto beans, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw for several hours or overnight. If you're in a rush, you can defrost them in a microwave using the 'defrost' function.
EXPIRES WITHIN
19 - 29
MONTHS
Health Info
Macros
74g
CARBS
1g
FAT
25g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
Recipes with what you have
Download Cooklist
Get the app to track inventory, save recipes, build meal plans and order groceries from local stores.
Scan to download
QR Code