Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a vibrant and refreshing Pinto Beans Fresh Tomato Relish that will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico! This incredibly simple yet mouthwatering dish combines the creamy richness of perfectly cooked pinto beans with the bright, zesty flavors of fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping side dish or a light, protein-packed salad, this recipe promises to become your new summer favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pinto beans
- 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- If using dried pinto beans, rinse beans thoroughly and soak overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse again.
- In a large pot, cover soaked beans with fresh water, about 2 inches above the beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for approximately 45-60 minutes until beans are tender but not mushy.
- While beans are cooking, prepare the fresh ingredients. Wash and dice tomatoes into small, uniform cubes.
- Finely dice the onion and jalapeño, removing seeds from the jalapeño to control heat level.
- Once beans are cooked, drain and let cool slightly to prevent wilting the fresh ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pinto beans, diced tomatoes, onion, and jalapeño.
- Add freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze lime juice over the mixture.
- Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Season with salt to taste, adjusting according to personal preference.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or light salad.
Tips
- Bean Preparation: For the most tender beans, always soak dried pinto beans overnight and rinse thoroughly before cooking.
- Heat Control: Remove jalapeño seeds to keep the dish mild, or leave some seeds for extra spice.
- Flavor Enhancement: Let the relish sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Freshness Matters: Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the most vibrant flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: This relish is versatile - serve as a side dish, salad, or even as a topping for tacos or grilled meats.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The relish can be prepared a day in advance and will taste even better as the flavors develop.
- Optional Add-Ins: Consider adding diced avocado or crumbled queso fresco for extra richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
