Savory Pizza Beans: A Wholesome Delight for Every Palate
Overview
When you’re searching for a hearty dish thatโs both nutritious and full of flavor, look no further than our Savory Pizza Beans. Not only do these beans offer an incredible taste profile thatโs reminiscent of your favorite pizza toppings, but they also provide a fantastic way to incorporate more fiber into your diet. With the flexibility to adjust ingredients according to your preferences, this recipe will become a go-to for family dinners or potlucks, especially when prepared in a slow cooker.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Savory Pizza Beans |
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 12 hours (HIGH or LOW setting) |
| Total Time | 12 hours 30 minutes |
| Category | Beans |
| Servings | 6 |
| Description | Tasty and adjustable, a great way to get daily fiber! |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 174.8 |
| Total Fat | 6.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 18.4 mg |
| Sodium | 479.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 21.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 1.3 g |
| Protein | 12.3 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | Dry pinto beans |
| 6 cups | Water |
| 1 cup | Crushed tomatoes |
| 1 cup | Diced tomatoes |
| ยฝ cup | Onion, diced |
| 3 | Green bell peppers, diced |
| ยผ cup | Garlic, minced |
| 1 cup | Parmesan cheese, grated |
| 1 cup | Romano cheese, grated |
| 1 cup | Mozzarella cheese, shredded |
| To taste | Herbs (such as oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Beans: Begin your culinary journey by rinsing and sorting through the dry pinto beans. This step is crucial to remove any unwanted debris or stones.
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Soak the Beans: Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of water, allowing them to soak overnight. This soaking process helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time. Once the soaking is complete, discard the soaking water and transfer the beans to your slow cooker, ensuring they are fully covered with fresh water (about 6 cups).
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Initial Cooking: Set your slow cooker to HIGH and let the beans cook for about 2 to 3 hours, or until they reach an al dente texture. This is a vital step to ensure that your beans are tender yet hold their shape when combined with other ingredients.
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Reserve Cooking Liquid: Once the beans have cooked to your desired consistency, save approximately 2 cups of the cooking water for later use. This liquid is rich in flavor and will enhance the overall taste of your dish.
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Drain and Combine: Carefully drain the beans, then combine them with the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic in the slow cooker. Pour in the reserved cooking water, adjusting the amount based on your preferred consistency.
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Slow Cook for Flavor: Set your slow cooker to LOW and let the mixture cook for an additional 10 to 12 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, you can set it to HIGH for about 5 to 6 hours. The goal here is to let the flavors meld together and for the beans to become beautifully soft.
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Add the Cheeses: Once the beans have reached the perfect texture, add the grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, stirring to combine. At this stage, feel free to adjust seasoning with your favorite herbs and spices.
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Final Touch: Remove the cover and continue to cook on HIGH for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt and meld beautifully with the bean mixture. Stir occasionally to ensure an even blend of flavors and textures.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once your Savory Pizza Beans are ready, serve them warm. They can be enjoyed on their own, as a side dish, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. Your family and friends will love this unique take on beans!
Final Thoughts
These Savory Pizza Beans not only pack a flavorful punch but also provide a wonderful source of nutrition. With their adjustable nature, you can customize them to suit your taste, making them perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them as a filling dinner, a delicious side at a gathering, or even as a meal prep option for the week ahead. The rich flavors and satisfying texture will keep everyone coming back for more!
