Heart-Healthy Authentic Charro Beans

Savor the robust and wholesome flavors of Heart-Healthy Authentic Charro Beans, a nourishing twist on a traditional Mexican favorite! This slow-simmered dish combines protein-packed pinto beans, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika for a deliciously smoky and earthy taste. Made with heart-healthy olive oil and low-sodium vegetable broth, it’s a guilt-free option perfect for any occasion. Fresh bursts of lime juice and chopped cilantro add a zesty finish, while optional avocado slices provide a creamy garnish. Ideal as a hearty side or a satisfying main when paired with whole-grain tortillas or brown rice, this recipe is vegan, nutrient-rich, and deeply satisfying—everything you could want in a bowl of comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried pinto beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, chopped yellow onion
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 seeded and chopped jalapeño pepper
• 2 medium, chopped tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.25 cup, chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 sliced, for garnish (optional) avocado

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly under cold water, then place them in a large bowl. Cover with water and soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.

Step 2

Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Set them aside.

Step 3

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, and sauté for about 5 minutes until it's translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and chopped jalapeño pepper, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer.

Step 7

Add the soaked and drained beans, bay leaves, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, and sea salt to the pot.

Step 8

Stir well, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let the beans simmer gently for about 90-120 minutes, or until the beans are tender and creamy.

Step 9

If the mixture becomes too thick, add a bit more broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 10

Once the beans are cooked, remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.

Step 11

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 12

Serve the charro beans hot, garnished with sliced avocado if desired, and enjoy with whole-grain tortillas or brown rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1820.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1000.7

Total Fat 34.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2584.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 141.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.6g	0%
Total Sugars 18.5g
Protein 37.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 329.3mg	0%
Iron 11.8mg	0%
Potassium 3449.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.2%

Protein: 14.7%

Carbs: 55.1%