Skip to content past banner and navigation links

Pinto Beans

A heart healthy take on a staple dish.

Recipe Source: Honoring the Gift of Heart Health Manual for American Indians and Native Alaskans
Prep time Cook time Yields Serving Size
20 minutes 45 minutes 16 servings ½ C

Ingredients

3 C dried pinto beans, cooked

Nonstick cooking spray

½ C chopped celery

½ C chopped onion

1 large green bell pepper, chopped

2 medium tomatoes, chopped

1 C water

2 garlic cloves, chopped

⅛ tsp ground black pepper

calories 133
Total fat 0 g
Saturated fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 205 mg
Total fiber 6 g
Protein 6 g
Carbohydrates 20 g
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Directions

  • 1
    Cook the dried beans as directed on the package, until they are soft. Set aside.

  • 2
    Spray a large saucepan with nonstick cooking spray, and preheat over medium heat. Cook celery, onion, and green pepper until soft, about 5 minutes.

  • 3
    Add tomatoes, water, and seasonings to vegetable mixture. Bring to a boil. Add beans, and return to a boil.

  • 4
    Cover and cook over low heat until flavors are blended and liquid is absorbed away, about 15 minutes. Stir once in a while to prevent from sticking.

  • 5
    Serve with rice that is cooked without salt.

Tip: Using dried beans instead of canned beans, and fresh instead of canned tomatoes, reduces the sodium. The recipe also uses fresh peppers, garlic, and onions to add flavor, rather than onion or garlic salt (another way to cut sodium content). Remember these tips to make other dishes lower in salt and sodium.

_______________
™Keep the Beat is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.