An old-fashioned, slow-simmered pinto bean dish passed down through generations — updated to fit today’s healthy lifestyle while preserving its authentic flavor and heart.
🧾 Recipe Overview
Servings: 8 (hearty ¾–1 cup servings)
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
Cook Time: ~2 hours
Estimated WW PersonalPoints™:
✅ 0–2 points per serving on most WW plans
(Beans, vegetables, broth, and herbs are typically zero-point foods. Points may come from optional oil or traditional fats.)
🥣 Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- Water (for soaking and cooking; reserve 2 cups soaking liquid)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (or skip for 0-point version)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 fresh jalapeño, minced and divided
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Soak the Beans Overnight
Place the dried pinto beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Let soak overnight (8–12 hours). Before cooking, drain the beans and reserve 2 cups of the soaking water.
WW Tip: Soaking reduces cooking time and enhances digestibility.
2️⃣ Sauté the Base (Optional Oil)
In a Dutch oven, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes, until softened.
Stir in green onions, garlic, half of the minced jalapeño, and cilantro. Cook for 1 more minute.
🔄 Zero-Point Option: Use a splash of broth or water instead of oil to sauté.
3️⃣ Simmer the Beans
Add the soaked beans, reserved soaking water, broth, remaining jalapeño, green chiles, and bay leaves.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
4️⃣ Cook Uncovered & Reduce
Remove lid and continue simmering uncovered for another 45–60 minutes, until the beans are soft and the broth is slightly thickened. Stir occasionally and add water if needed to prevent drying out.
5️⃣ Finish & Season
Discard bay leaves. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Let sit a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions (0–2 Points)
- Serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice
- Enjoy as a main dish with steamed veggies
- Use as a filling for WW-friendly wraps or tortillas
- Top with fresh lime juice, salsa, or fat-free plain Greek yogurt
🔄 WW-Friendly Modifications & Tips
| Ingredient | Points | Swap Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil (1 tsp) | 1 pt | Use broth to sauté (0 pts) |
| Pinto beans | 0 pts | ZeroPoint™ on most plans |
| Diced green chiles | 0 pts | Adds flavor without points |
| Broth | 0 pts | Use low-sodium to keep it heart-healthy |
| Jalapeño, garlic, onions | 0 pts | Flavor without points |
Storage:
Keeps well in the fridge up to 5 days. Freezes for up to 3 months in portioned containers.
💬 A Note from the Family:
“My grandmother made these in the 1940s, and they’ve never gone out of style. Healthy, hearty, and full of flavor — now WW-friendly for the next generation.”