Get ready to transform your Meatless Monday with a flavor explosion that'll make you forget all about meat! These Beer Braised Sweet and Spicy Pinto Bean Tacos are not just a meal, they're a culinary adventure that combines the rich, hearty goodness of pinto beans with the unexpected kick of beer-braising and bold Mexican-inspired spices. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a dish so delicious and satisfying that even the most dedicated carnivores will be asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beer
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onions.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and salt over the beans. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Pour the beer into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and create a rich, flavorful liquid. Reduce heat to low and let the beans braise for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the beans are braising, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this by briefly heating each tortilla in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side or wrapping them in foil and warming in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beans have absorbed most of the liquid and become slightly thickened, remove from heat.
- To assemble tacos, place a generous spoonful of the beer-braised beans into each warm tortilla.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and additional salt if needed.
- Serve immediately while the beans are hot and the tortillas are warm.
Tips
- • Choose a flavorful beer like a light lager or amber ale to enhance the bean braising process • Make sure to drain and rinse beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve texture • Toast your spices briefly in the pan before adding beans to intensify their flavors • Don't rush the braising process - low and slow allows the beans to absorb maximum flavor • Warm tortillas just before serving to ensure they're soft and pliable • For extra heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños • Experiment with toppings like pickled red onions or a squeeze of fresh lime for added complexity
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
