By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on August 6, 2023 | Last Updated on November 7, 2023
This Bojangles Pinto Bean are an easy, delicious way to add a little Mexican flair to your kitchen. This combines the classic ingredients in one pot for a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Whether you serve it as a main course or side dish, it’s sure to be a hit! Plus, this is high in protein and fiber, so you can feel good about what you are eating. So grab your ingredients and get ready for some amazing Mexican-style eats with Bojangles Pinto Beans!
This is simple enough that anyone can make it. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a delicious dish in no time. Plus, there are plenty of ways to customize it so that everyone at the table can enjoy a meal they love.
Whether you like your food spicy or mild, this is sure to please! So let’s get started and learn how to make Bojangles Pinto Beans.
What are Bojangles Pinto Beans?
Bojangles is a fast-food restaurant chain based in Charlotte, North Carolina. It specializes in Southern-style food, including fried chicken and biscuits. The signature dish of Bojangles is their Pinto Beans.
The beans are slow-cooked with smoked turkey pieces, onion, garlic cloves, oil, salt, cumin, pepper, paprika, and sugar. The dish has a mild yet flavorful taste that makes it perfect for any occasion.
This is also incredibly easy to make, as all the ingredients are thrown into one pot and cooked together for a few hours. Bojangles Pinto Beans can be served as an entrée or side dish.
What does it taste like?
Bojangles Pinto Beans have a mild yet flavorful taste. The smoked turkey pieces give the dish a rich, smoky flavor, while the onion and garlic add depth and warmth. Meanwhile, the cumin adds an earthy note, and the paprika provides a slightly spicy kick.
The beans themselves are creamy and comforting, making this a hearty dish that is sure to please. Lastly, the sugar balances out all the flavors and ensures that the dish isn’t too salty or spicy.
Overall, Bojangles Pinto Beans is an enjoyable dish with something for everyone. It’s full of flavor and has just enough spice to satisfy even the pickiest eater.
How did I first get introduced to the Bojangles Pinto Beans?
I was first introduced to Bojangles Pinto Beans when I visited Bojangles fast-food restaurant. I had heard about the chain before, but this was my very first time going there. I ordered their signature dish and it came with a side of pinto beans.
At first glance, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to try them. I’m usually not a fan of beans, but the smoky aroma that wafted from the dish was too tempting to resist. After one bite, I knew I had made the right decision.
The smoked turkey pieces combined with the onion and garlic gave it a rich yet subtle flavor. The cumin added some earthiness while the paprika gave it a nice kick. Meanwhile, the sugar balanced out all the flavors and prevented it from being too salty or spicy.
I immediately fell in love with Bojangles Pinto Beans. The dish was so flavorful yet not too overpowering. It was also incredibly comforting and filling. I found my new favorite side dish!
Since then, I’ve made Bojangles Pinto Beans many times. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure anyone who tries it will quickly fall in love with it too. So grab your ingredients and get ready to experience the deliciousness of Bojangles Pinto Beans!
How to make Bojangles Pinto Beans?
Making this delicious dish is incredibly easy and only requires a few pantry staples. All you need to do is gather the ingredients & follow the steps below!
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Ingredients
- Soaked pinto beans: This is a variety of beans that are grown in Mexico and Central America. They have a mild flavor, and creamier texture, and are very nutritious.
- Smoked turkey pieces: This adds flavor to the dish as well as some protein. You can substitute it with any other type of smoked meat such as bacon or ham.
- Water: Water helps to soften the pinto beans and provide the necessary liquid for cooking.
- Onion: Gives flavor to the dish. It can be chopped or diced as preferred.
- Oil: Used to cook the pinto beans. You can use any type of oil that you prefer such as olive, vegetable, coconut, etc.
- Salt: Adds flavor to the dish.
- Cumin: This adds some earthy flavor to the dish and is often used in Mexican cuisine. It can be substituted with other types of spices such as chili powder or coriander.
- Garlic cloves: These add a lot of flavor to the dish, but they can also be omitted if desired.
- Pepper: Adds spice to the dish.
- Paprika: This adds some color as well as flavor to the dish.
- Sugar: This helps balance out the flavors in the dish. It can be substituted with any type of sweetener such as honey or maple syrup.
- Green onions: Adds freshness and flavor to the dish, as well as a nice garnish.
- Tomato sauce: Adds color and flavor to the dish. You can use any type of tomato sauce that you prefer such as marinara or salsa.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Soak the beans
- Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and then place them in a large bowl.
- Cover the beans with 3-4 inches of cold water and let them soak for 8-12 hours or overnight.
- After soaking, drain the soaked pinto beans.
Step 2
Cook the beans
- Place the pinto beans in a large pot.
- Add the smoked turkey pieces, onion, oil, salt, cumin, garlic cloves, pepper, paprika, and sugar to the pot.
- Cover with 13 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook for 2 ½ – 3 hours or until the beans are cooked through.
Step 3
Ready to Serve
- Once the beans are cooked, garnish with green onions and serve with tomato sauce on the side.
Tips
- If you find that the beans are not cooking evenly, give them a stir every 30 minutes or so.
- You can use any type of smoked meat such as bacon or ham instead of smoked turkey pieces.
- To make this dish vegan, omit the smoked meat and replace it with 1 cup of cooked quinoa.
- This dish can be served as a main course or a side dish.
- To add extra flavor to the beans, add 4 cups of vegetable stock instead of water during cooking.
- For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños when cooking.
Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe
Equipment
- strainer
Ingredients
- Tomato sauce for color and taste same amount as original, bringing a rich and tangy element, lending a vibrant red hue and contributing a delightful acidity that complements the other ingredients.
- 6.5 cups of water providing ample liquid for cooking the beans to perfection, allowing them to absorb the surrounding flavors and achieve a creamy consistency.
- 1 tablespoon of salt enhancing the natural tastes of the ingredients and adding a balanced seasoning to the dish.
- 5 cups of soaked pinto beans tender and packed with earthy flavors, adding a hearty and nutritious base to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon of oil facilitating the sautéing process, ensuring a silky texture and helping to distribute the flavors evenly.
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika imparting a smoky and slightly sweet taste, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish while adding a hint of complexity.
- 1/4 yellow onion finely diced to enhance the aromatic profile, lending a subtle sweetness and adding layers of flavor to the dish.
- 1 smoked turkey piece imparting a smoky and savory essence, infusing the beans with a depth of flavor that elevates the overall taste.
- Green onions for garnish adding a fresh and vibrant touch, providing a mild onion flavor and visually enhancing the presentation.
- 3 garlic cloves minced, releasing their robust and pungent essence, enhancing the overall savory profile of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon of cumin delivering a warm and earthy note, infusing the beans with a distinct aroma and a touch of smokiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper providing a subtle kick of spiciness, complementing the other flavors and adding a pleasant heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar balancing the flavors and reducing any potential bitterness, while also contributing to a subtle caramelization.
Instructions
- Soak the beans Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and then place them in a large bowl. Cover the beans with 3-4 inches of cold water and let them soak for 8-12 hours or overnight. After soaking, drain the soaked pinto beans.
- Cook the beans Place the pinto beans in a large pot. Add the smoked turkey pieces, onion, oil, salt, cumin, garlic cloves, pepper, paprika, and sugar to the pot. Cover with 13 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 2 ½ – 3 hours or until the beans are cooked through.
- Ready to Serve Once the beans are cooked, garnish with green onions and serve with tomato sauce on the side.
Notes
- If you find that the beans are not cooking evenly, give them a stir every 30 minutes or so.
- You can use any type of smoked meat such as bacon or ham instead of smoked turkey pieces.
- To make this dish vegan, omit the smoked meat and replace it with 1 cup of cooked quinoa.
- This dish can be served as a main course or a side dish.
- To add extra flavor to the beans, add 4 cups of vegetable stock instead of water during cooking.
- For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños when cooking.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Bojangles Pinto Beans?
Bojangles Pinto Beans is a delicious and hearty dish that can be served as an entrée or side dish. It goes well with many different dishes, making it an incredibly versatile meal. Here are some of the best accompaniments for Bojangles Pinto Beans:
For a Mexican-inspired meal, try serving Bojangles Pinto Beans with some grilled corn, cilantro-lime rice, and a dollop of salsa or guacamole on top. It also pairs well with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas.
If you’re looking for something a bit more classic, try serving Bojangles Pinto Beans with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and a big green salad.
You can also serve it alongside other Southern-style dishes such as fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni, and cheese, or cornbread.
What are some of the health benefits associated with Bojangles Pinto Beans?
Here are some of the health benefits associated with Bojangles Pinto Beans:
- They are an excellent source of protein and fiber. This makes them a great addition to any vegetarian or vegan diet.
- They are low in calories but still provide a lot of satisfaction, making them a great choice for those trying to manage their weight.
- They contain a wide array of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium.
- They are an excellent source of antioxidants that help to protect against inflammation and free radical damage.
- The high fiber content helps promote digestive health and regularity.
- Eating pinto beans can help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
How to store leftover Bojangles Pinto Beans?
Leftover Bojangles Pinto Beans can be stored in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, transfer the cooled beans to a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Alternatively, you can also store leftover Bojangles Pinto Beans in the freezer for up to 6 months. To ensure optimal flavor and texture, it’s best to freeze them in portion-sized containers or bags.
When reheating frozen pinto beans, it’s important to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator first before heating through on the stovetop or in the microwave. This will help to retain their flavor and texture, as well as maintain their nutritional value.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Bojangles Pinto Beans. In fact, the health benefits associated with pinto beans make them a great choice for expectant mothers.
Pregnant women need to ensure that they are getting enough nutrients during their pregnancy and pinto beans provide these essential nutrients in abundance. They contain protein, fiber, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium which can all help to ensure that the mother-to-be and baby are healthy.
Additionally, pinto beans are a great source of folate which helps to prevent birth defects and can be particularly beneficial for pregnant women. They are also low in calories so they make a healthy snack or side dish without adding too much unnecessary fat and sugar.
Finally, the high content of fiber helps to promote regularity which can be beneficial for pregnant women who may otherwise suffer from constipation. Bojangles Pinto Beans are therefore a great choice for pregnant women looking for a nutritious meal packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
FAQs
Can I make this in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. To do so, add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the beans are tender. You may need to add extra water as needed if it evaporates too quickly.
Can I use canned pinto beans instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans instead of dried. However, keep in mind that the cooking time will be much shorter if using canned beans. As such, make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly and reduce the cooking time as needed. Canned pinto beans are also usually already cooked so there is no need to soak them beforehand.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan. Simply omit the smoked turkey pieces and replace them with 1 cup of cooked quinoa or another plant-based protein source such as lentils or tempeh. You can also use vegetable stock instead of water during cooking for added flavor.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for taking the time to read our guide on Bojangles Pinto Beans! We hope that this information has been helpful in understanding how to make this delicious and nutritious dish.
Whether served as a main course or a side dish, Bojangles Pinto Beans are sure to be a hit with everyone. Feel free to experiment with different accompaniments and add-ins to make this dish unique.
Please share this guide if you found it helpful and don’t forget to leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
