I picked up a package of shelled fresh pinto beans at the farmers market a few weeks ago.
The beans, fresh from their pods, looked so different with their shiny, plump skins and variegated coloring.
When I got home with the pink and creamy green beans, I realized I had no idea how long to cook them. All of my previous bean cooking experience was with dried beans. Even after talking to my mom, my friends, and my huge collection of cookbooks, I was still not sure what to do. None of the books had any useful information about cooking fresh shelled beans at all. The experts were in disagreement. Some said the beans would cook very fast and taste even better than dried. Some people said the fresh beans wouldn’t have the rich flavor and buttery, creamy texture that I love so much about pintos.
I decided to just cook the beans as I normally would, sans soaking, and see what happened.
In just 45 minutes the beans were buttery soft and swimming in their glorious, brown potlikker.
I put the beans on top of cornbread waffles. To make them, add a little extra milk to your favorite cornbread batter and cook it in a waffle iron. It was the perfect summer meal. Well, almost perfect. A fat, juicy homegrown tomato would have made it perfect.
In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is just beginning to soften. Add the beans, salt and pepper and enough water to cover by 1 to 2 inches. Once it starts to boil, lower the heat and let it cook, partially covered, for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the beans are soft.
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Pinto beans are most commonly known as the familiar pink and brown dried bean used in Mexican dishes. However, fresh green pinto beans also offer delicious culinary potential. Young, tender green pinto beans have a sweet, nutty flavor perfect for soups, stews, tacos, and more. Here is a complete guide to enjoying green pinto beans.
What are Green Pinto Beans?
Green pinto beans are simply pintos harvested early before the bean matures and dries on the vine. During this fresh stage, the pods are plump and green in color Inside, the beans are bright green and have thin skins.
Pinto beans originate from Mexico and are a staple of Latin American cuisines. The green stage offers the bean at its peak tenderness, nutritional value, and flavor.
Green pintos have a slightly herbaceous, grassy taste with sweet, creamy undertones. Texture is crisp-tender when eaten raw and softens to a pleasing creaminess upon cooking.
Nutritional Value of Green Pintos
One of the key benefits of enjoying pinto beans fresh rather than dried is their impressive nutritional profile
Green pinto beans are high in:
- Protein – Great for vegetarian and vegan diets
- Fiber – Improves digestion and heart health
- Iron – Boosts energy and cognitive function
- Folate – Essential for cell growth and reproduction
- Potassium – Lowers blood pressure and risk of stroke
Green pintos also offer antioxidants like flavonoids to fight inflammation and phytonutrients such as saponins to lower cholesterol.
Overall, fresh green pinto beans pack a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds for optimal wellness.
Can You Eat Raw Green Pintos?
Technically yes, green pinto beans can be eaten raw straight from the pod. However, raw beans contain lectin phytohemagglutinin, which can cause severe nausea and other digestive issues when overconsumed.
To eliminate the risk, it is strongly recommended to only eat green pinto beans cooked. Thorough cooking destroys lectin and makes the beans entirely safe to enjoy.
While raw green pintos are edible in small portions, cooking them first allows you to safely savor their delicious flavors and nutrients without worry.
How to Cook Green Pinto Beans
Cooking brings out the full potential of green pinto beans. Simple methods like steaming, boiling, sautéing, or baking all work wonderfully.
To boil green pintos:
- Rinse fresh beans and remove from pods
- Place in a pot and cover with water by 2-3 inches
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a lively simmer
- Cook for 30-60 minutes until tender, adding water as needed
- Drain beans and season or use in recipes
Boiled green pinto beans make a quick, protein-packed side dish. Other cooking options include:
- Sautéing in olive oil with garlic, onions, and spices
- Roasting in the oven tossed in oil, salt, and pepper
- Adding to soups, stews, chilies, and tacos
- Pureeing into dips, spreads, and bean salads
Experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to bring out the best in green pintos. They pair well with spicy and savory flavors.
Storing Fresh Green Pintos
When buying fresh green pinto beans, look for crisp, bright green pods free of blemishes. Refrigerate raw beans in a breathable bag for up to 4 days.
To extend shelf life, blanch green pintos in boiling water for 3 minutes, then quickly cool in ice water. Store blanched beans in a covered container for up to a week.
You can also freeze green pintos for long term storage. Blanch beans first, then spread in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze. Transfer to freezer bags once solid.
Properly stored, both fresh and frozen green pinto beans retain excellent texture and flavor for cooking.
Green Pinto Bean Recipes to Try
Here are some tasty ways to use green pinto beans:
- Pinto bean salad with corn, peppers, and cilantro
- Green pinto bean tacos with queso fresco
- Pinto bean and cheese enchiladas
- Southwest stuffed poblano peppers
- Pinto bean hummus or dip
- White bean chicken chili with green pintos
- Pinto bean soup loaded with veggies
With their mild taste and creamy texture, green pintos work well in a wide range of cuisines. Let them star as the protein in vegetarian meals or add them to meats and vegetables.
Are Green Pintos Right for You?
If you love pinto beans, trying them fresh and green opens up new possibilities. Green pintos have a delicious flavor with impressive nutritional benefits. Sauté, simmer, or roast them as a tasty, plant-based protein source. Just be sure to cook green pintos thoroughly before eating to eliminate anti-nutrients. Then enjoy green pinto beans in your favorite Mexican and Southwestern inspired recipes.
Are Pinto Beans Good For Diabetics?-How to Pick the Right Pinto Beans
FAQ
Are pinto beans and green beans the same?
Can you eat fresh pinto beans raw?
Can you eat immature pinto beans?
How can you tell if green beans are safe to eat?
What to eat with pinto beans?
Bean and Rice Bowls: scoop the creamy pinto beans over cooked white rice or Cilantro Lime Rice with shredded cheese, pickled jalapenos, and salsa. Add grilled chicken or steak for additional protein. Bean Dip: top the warm beans with fresh pico de gallo, sour cream, and sliced raw jalapenos then serve with tortilla chips.
Are pinto beans healthy?
Pinto beans are extremely nutritious. They are primarily composed of carbohydrates, protein and fiber. In particular, they boast plenty of thiamine, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. Antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids are present in pinto beans which protect the cells against damage free radicles. Kaempferol present in pinto beans may provide anticancer benefits.
Are pinto beans gluten free?
Canned pinto beans: pinto beans are a medium-size bean with a mild taste and creamy yet hearty texture. Canned pinto beans are nutritious, convenient, and inexpensive, and I prefer Bush’s Pinto Beans, which are gluten free. A portion of the beans are blended to thicken the dish, while the other portion remains whole for texture.
Are pinto beans vegan?
You can find pinto beans in grocery stores as dried beans or canned beans. They are affordable, easy to prepare and nutritious. This cholesterol- and gluten-free plant-based protein is vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, making it a commonly used ingredient in many savory and sweet dishes.