How do the Texans do it? Texans may claim that their chili recipe is ‘a secret’, but what if we told you it really is all about the perfect pinto bean chili recipe? Every Texan worth their salt knows their chili and brisket from their sausage and ribs.
In the grander scheme of American cooking, these Tex-Mex and Texan food staples have secured their spot as iconic and unforgettable foods. Texans’ signature bowl of chili is an easy and delicious recipe, but there is a breadcrumb trail leading to the perfect bowl.
Read on and we’ll walk you through the five steps to crafting your own homemade perfect pinto bean chili!
1. Clean the Dried Beans
Before you make pinto bean chili using dried beans, you’ll need to clean them. To do this, start by pouring the beans into a fine-mesh strainer and running cold, running water through them. As the beans run through the water, look through them and discard any stones, debris, or imperfect beans.
2. Cook the Beans in Batches
If you are a plant based nutrition coach looking to perfect your chili recipe using pinto beans, it’s important to store the cooked beans properly. This ensures that each batch of beans cooks uniformly and completely, avoids clumping, and prevents the beans from getting overcooked.
Begin by washing and sorting the beans, adding them to a stockpot, and adding enough water to cover them with an extra two inches of liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the beans are tender. It is recommended to check the beans and add more water periodically while simmering.
3. Season Your Beans
This can be done either in the cooking process or before serving. When making traditional chili, start off by slowly heating your beans and stock in a pot, adding onion, garlic, and spices of your choosing. For an extra zing, try adding a pace of hot sauce or diced smoked chilies during this stage.
Another great way to season your beans is by adding a variety of vegetables and herbs in the last 10 minutes of cooking, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and jalapeno peppers.
4. Save Your Broth
When making pinto bean chili, it’s important to save your broth to help perfect the flavor. Drain the beans and store them separately from their liquid. Add some of the liquid back into the chili while stirring to combine all ingredients for better texture and flavor.
And stir in your saved broth before serving the chili for a more flavorful, robust, and delicious dish. Perfected with saved broth, your pinto bean chili is guaranteed to warm up any night.
5. Store the Cooked Beans Properly
After the beans have cooked and cooled, they should be transferred to an airtight container. This not only prevents the beans from spoiling quickly but also protects the chili from contamination.
The stored cooked beans should remain in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator. It is also important to consume the beans within 3-4 days of cooking.
Learning the Five Steps to Perfecting Pinto Bean Chili
Chili is a tried-and-true comfort food that can easily be customized to the individual taste. The perfect pinto bean chili involves utilizing the right ingredients, the perfect ratio of ingredients, and the required cooking and simmering time.
Try the steps above for yourself and see the amazing results! For more chili recipes, check out our website today!
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