5 Easy High-Protein Pinto Bean Recipes For Vegans

Pinto Beans Benefits

Did you know pinto beans have many benefits? They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, they are also rich in antioxidants that may help protect against heart disease and cancer. All these and many more factors make them a great addition to any diet. Here are a few more benefits:

• Adding pinto beans to your diet is good for your heart and muscles since they provide you with protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, keeping your heart and muscles healthy.

• Pinto beans are a good source of potassium, vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients. They are also rich in phosphorus, benefiting your bones and teeth.

• Thiamine in pinto beans provides energy and aids cell production. These beans are also rich in polyphenol antioxidants, fighting free radicals, protecting cells, and reducing cancer risk.

1. Spicy Chorizo and Pinto Bean Soup

Give your taste buds a flavorful taste of smokiness and heat of spicy chorizo sausage with the creamy texture of pinto beans. Make spicy chorizo and pinto bean soup, and create a comforting bowl for yourself. You’ll savor the perfect balance of spices and chorizo with every spoonful.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) spicy chorizo sausage, sliced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 cups dried pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained (or use canned beans for a quicker option)

• 6 cups vegetable broth

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

• 2 teaspoons cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for the desired level of spiciness)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

• Sour cream or grated vegan cheese for serving (optional)

Directions

Boil soaked pinto beans for 45 mins. Cook sliced chorizo until crispy. Sauté veggies, add spices, chorizo, drained beans, diced tomatoes, and broth. Simmer for 30 mins and season with salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste.

2. Refried Bean and Cheese Melts

Refried bean and cheese melts are a tasteful fusion of Tex-Mex flavors that will satisfy your cravings for comfort food. These tasty melts feature creamy refried beans and gooey melted cheese sandwiched between warm tortillas. The combination of savory, earthy beans and rich, melty cheese creates a mouthwatering experience that's both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans

• 1 cup shredded vegan cheddar cheese (or your favorite vegan cheese)

• 1/2 cup diced green onions (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional)

• 4 to 6 large tortillas

• Cooking spray or a little vegetable oil for grilling

Directions

Preheat the stovetop pan or grill. Mix refried beans, vegan cheese, onions, chili powder, and cumin. Spoon mixture onto tortilla, and fold in half. Cook in a pan or grill until crispy and golden brown. If using a grill, lightly grease the grates with oil and grill the tortilla melts for 2-3 minutes per side until they're crispy and have grill marks.

3. Instant Pot Pinto Beans

With the Instant Pot, you can enjoy perfectly cooked pinto beans in a fraction of the time it typically takes. These beans retain their rich, earthy flavors while becoming tender. This kitchen gadget streamlines the cooking process, making it perfect for busy individuals seeking a quick and hassle-free way to enjoy their pinto beans. Cooking pinto beans in an instant pot is easy, quick, and convenient. Here's a simple recipe for instant pot pinto beans.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (about 2 cups) dried pinto beans, rinsed and picked through

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)

• 8 cups water or vegetable broth

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings and Garnishes

• Chopped fresh cilantro

• Sliced jalapeños

• Grated vegan cheese

• Sour cream

• Salsa

• Diced tomatoes

• Avocado slices

Directions

Rinse pinto beans, sauté onions, and garlic in an instant pot with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Add beans, water or broth, and bay leaf. Pressure cook for 25-30 minutes and allow pressure to release naturally. Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper.

4. Chipotle Pinto Bean Stew

Chipotle pinto bean stew is a delightful fusion of smoky, spicy, and hearty flavors that warm the soul. This enticing dish features tender pinto beans simmered in a rich tomato-based broth infused with the unmistakable essence of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These peppers contribute a deep, smoky heat that is beautifully complemented by a medley of spices, creating a complex and satisfying taste profile.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried pinto beans, rinsed and soaked overnight (or use canned beans for a quicker option)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2-3 canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

• 6 cups vegetable broth or water

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

• Juice of 1 lime

• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

• Sour cream or grated vegan cheese for serving (optional)

Directions

For dried beans, soak them overnight and rinse. Drain canned beans. Sauté onion and garlic in oil, then add chipotle peppers, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Add beans, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer for 1-1.5 hours (dried) or 30 min (canned). Season with salt and pepper. Add corn and simmer for 10-15 min.

5. Cheesy Pinto Beans

Cheesy Pinto Beans is a delightful comfort food that seamlessly blends the earthy goodness of pinto beans with the indulgent creaminess of melted cheese. This dish takes the pinto bean to a whole new level, infusing it with layers of savory flavors and a rich, gooey texture. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal, Cheesy Pinto Beans are an irresistible treat for vegans and cheese lovers alike.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) of pinto beans, drained and rinsed (or 4 cups of cooked pinto beans)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 cup shredded vegan cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish, optional)

• Sliced jalapeños (for garnish, optional)

Directions

In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add spices and beans. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Add vegan cheese and cook until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Add jalapeños for extra heat.

Pinto beans can be a delightful journey for vegans, offering a rich plant-based protein, fiber, and flavor source. These 5 pinto bean recipes showcase the versatility of this humble legume, making them a valuable addition to any vegan diet. It's a comforting dish that's perfect as a side or even a main course.

These recipes offer a delicious way to incorporate pinto beans into your plant-based meals. So, roll up your sleeves, head to the kitchen, and savor the flavor of pinto beans in these must-try vegan recipes. It's definitely worth giving it a try!