Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsMercadoHouse Pinto Beans Recipe

House Pinto Beans Recipe

Inspired by Mercado
Time2h 30m
Serves6

Like Grandma's

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Ingredients

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Dried Beans

Vegetables & Aromatics

Spices & Seasonings

Optional Garnish

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Soak the Beans

    Rinse the pinto beans under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak the beans overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. Drain and rinse again before cooking.

  2. 2

    Chop the Vegetables

    Finely chop the onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and carrot. Set aside for later use.

Cooking

  1. 3

    Sauté the Aromatics

    In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

  2. 4

    Add the Spices

    Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

  3. 5

    Combine Beans and Liquid

    Add the soaked pinto beans to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth or water. Toss in the bay leaves. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

  4. 6

    Simmer

    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water or broth if needed to keep the beans covered.

  5. 7

    Final Seasoning

    Taste the beans and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Serving

  1. 8

    Serve

    Ladle the house pinto beans into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side, if desired.

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