Pinto Beans
Perhaps because they hail from Mexico, pinto beans are especially tasty
cooked with lime.
The medium-sized pinto bean is a hybrid that takes its name from the Spanish word for
“painted.” Medium brown, with dark-brown spatter markings, pintos fade to a
uniform pale beige or pinkish color after cooking. Perhaps because they hail from Mexico, they
are especially tasty cooked with lime, chiles, and even beer.
Varieties
Pinto beans are related to the kidney beans
and other members of the Phaseolus species of beans.
Buying and storing tips
Dried pinto beans should be stored in an airtight glass or ceramic jars in a cool dry
place, where they will keep for up to a year.
Availability
Dried and canned pinto beans are widely available year-round.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Because their texture is very smooth, pintos may be used in virtually all methods of bean
preparation. Purée them for soup bases or use them in casseroles; refry them for frijoles
refritos and use them in burritos. Before cooking, soak pintos for 8 hours, then pressure cook
for 18 minutes or simmer on top of the stove for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. 1 cup of dried pintos makes
3 cups of cooked beans. Use pinto beans to make chili, soups, and stews, or use them in salads
or in Mexican dishes. They can also be puréed and used as a spread or dip.
Nutritional Highlights
Pinto beans, 1 cup (171g) (boiled)
Calories: 234
Protein: 14.0g
Carbohydrate: 43.8g
Total Fat: 0.89g
Fiber: 14.7g
*Excellent source of: Iron (4.5mg), Potassium (800mg), Selenium (12
mcg), and Folate (294mcg)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular
nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good
source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily
Value.
The information presented in this website is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
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