Chili Beans

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried pinto beans
  • 2 tablespoons salt (for soaking)
  • 2 quarts water (for soaking)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup Fiesta Taco Seasoning Mix (or similar taco seasoning)
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste; omit if using salty taco seasoning)

Steps

  1. Pick through beans and discard any stones or irregular beans.
  2. In a 5-quart pan, dissolve 2 tablespoons salt in 2 quarts water. Add beans and soak for 8–24 hours. Drain and rinse beans.
  3. Mince onion and garlic.
  4. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.
  5. Add taco seasoning, stir, and cook for about 1 minute.
  6. Add tomato paste and stir to combine.
  7. Gradually whisk in vegetable broth, then add remaining broth and water, whisking to smooth out lumps.
  8. Add soaked, rinsed beans and salt (if needed). Stir to combine.
  9. Bring to a boil, reduce to a low simmer, and cook uncovered for 1½ to 2 hours, until beans are tender and sauce is thickened. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed.
  10. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve hot or cool and refrigerate/freeze for later.

Yield

About 10 cups (serves 10 as a side dish)

Total Time

About 10–12 hours (includes soaking; active cooking time: 2–2.5 hours)