Name: Smoky Chipotle Frijoles With Lime Crema
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 40 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 500g (1 lb) Dried Pinto Beans: Soak overnight for best results.; 1 L (4 cups) Vegetable Broth: Adds depth of flavor.; 1 Large Onion, Diced: Forms the aromatic base.; 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Adds pungent aroma.; 1 Red Bell Pepper, Diced: Contributes sweetness and color.; 2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: For sautéing aromatics.; 1 tsp (5g) Ground Cumin: Warm, earthy spice.; 1 tsp (5g) Smoked Paprika: Delivers smoky depth.; 1 tsp (5g) Dried Oregano: Herbaceous note.; 1 Chipotle Pepper in Adobo, Minced: Adds smoky heat.; 1 tbsp (15 ml) Adobo Sauce: Enhances smoky flavor.; 400g (14 oz) Canned Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidity and body.; 1 tbsp (15 ml) Honey: Balances heat and acidity.; Salt and Pepper to Taste: Essential seasoning.; 120g (½ cup) Plain Yogurt: Base for lime crema.; 2 tbsp (30 ml) Lime Juice: Bright, zesty flavor.; 1 Lime Zest: Adds citrus aroma.; 1 tsp (5g) Cilantro (crema): Fresh, herbaceous note.; 1 tsp (5g) Toasted Cumin Seeds: Adds flavor and crunch.; 1 tbsp (15g) Cilantro (garnish): Final burst of freshness.; Lime Wedge: For serving.

Description

These Smoky Chipotle Frijoles with Lime Crema are a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish, transforming humble pinto beans into a smoky and satisfying meal. Perfect as a side or main course, they offer a delightful balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

500g (1 lb) Dried Pinto Beans: Soak overnight for best results.
1 L (4 cups) Vegetable Broth: Adds depth of flavor.
1 Large Onion, Diced: Forms the aromatic base.
3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Adds pungent aroma.
1 Red Bell Pepper, Diced: Contributes sweetness and color.
2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: For sautéing aromatics.
1 tsp (5g) Ground Cumin: Warm, earthy spice.
1 tsp (5g) Smoked Paprika: Delivers smoky depth.
1 tsp (5g) Dried Oregano: Herbaceous note.
1 Chipotle Pepper in Adobo, Minced: Adds smoky heat.
1 tbsp (15 ml) Adobo Sauce: Enhances smoky flavor.
400g (14 oz) Canned Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidity and body.
1 tbsp (15 ml) Honey: Balances heat and acidity.
Salt and Pepper to Taste: Essential seasoning.
120g (½ cup) Plain Yogurt: Base for lime crema.
2 tbsp (30 ml) Lime Juice: Bright, zesty flavor.
1 Lime Zest: Adds citrus aroma.
1 tsp (5g) Cilantro (crema): Fresh, herbaceous note.
1 tsp (5g) Toasted Cumin Seeds: Adds flavor and crunch.
1 tbsp (15g) Cilantro (garnish): Final burst of freshness.
Lime Wedge: For serving.

Instructions

Soak Beans: Soak 500g pinto beans overnight, then drain and rinse.
Initial Simmer: Boil beans with 1L broth for 20 minutes, then reduce heat and simmer.
Sauté Aromatics: Sauté diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil until tender.
Bloom Spices: Add cumin, paprika, oregano, chipotle, and adobo sauce; cook for 1 minute.
Combine & Simmer: Add tomatoes and honey to the skillet, then combine with beans.
Long Slow Simmer: Simmer uncovered for 1.5 hours, until tender and thickened.
Season to Perfection: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare Lime Crema: Whisk yogurt, lime juice, zest, and cilantro.
Plate & Garnish: Serve beans with crema, cumin seeds, cilantro, and a lime wedge.

Notes

Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for reducing cooking time and improving digestibility. Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper based on your spice preference.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 100 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Simmer
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fiber: 15 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg

Keywords: beans,pinto beans,chipotle,mexican,vegetarian,crema,smoky,side dish,tacos