Pinto beans are a versatile legume that can be used in many dishes, from tacos and burritos to soups and dips. When cooked properly, pinto beans will become soft and creamy, but sometimes they can turn out too watery or thin. Luckily, there are a few simple tricks you can use to help pinto beans thicken to the perfect consistency.
Simmer the Beans
One of the keys to getting pinto beans to reach the ideal thick, creamy texture is to let them simmer sufficiently. Undercooking the beans can leave them tough and watery. Be sure to simmer pinto beans for at least 1-2 hours until completely softened and tender. Stir the pot occasionally and add more liquid if needed to prevent scorching.
Drain and Rinse
After simmering pinto beans, drain them in a colander and give them a quick rinse. This will wash away some of the starch and help them firm up a bit. Allow the rinsed beans to drain thoroughly before using them in recipes.
Mash Some of the Beans
Mashing a portion of the cooked pinto beans is an easy way to thicken up a pot of beans or bean dish. Use a potato masher or fork to mash about 1/4 to 1/3 of the beans right in the cooking liquid. This will release some starch and create a thicker consistency.
Simmer Uncovered
Allowing the bean liquid to simmer uncovered for a portion of the cooking time can help it reduce down and thicken up. Once the beans are tender, leave the pot uncovered and let the liquid simmer for 10-15 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
Add Tomato Products
Adding tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, or tomato sauce to beans is a great way to add flavor and thickness. Tomato products contain fiber and starch that can help bind up the cooking liquid. Start with a small amount like 1-2 tablespoons tomato paste or sauce and add more to reach desired consistency.
Include Starchy Vegetables
Adding starchy vegetables like potatoes, carrots, squash, or pumpkin to pinto beans can add body and thickness. The starch released from these vegetables as they cook will help absorb and thicken up the cooking liquid. Cut vegetables into 1-inch pieces before adding to beans.
Use a Roux
A classic French cooking technique, making a roux of flour and oil/butter can help thicken up beans. To use this method, melt 1-2 tablespoons butter or oil over medium heat. Whisk in 1-3 tablespoons flour and cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly. Slowly whisk the hot bean liquid into the roux until smooth and thickened.
Finish with Cornstarch
For a quick bean thickener, dissolve 1-2 teaspoons cornstarch in a bit of cold water. Slowly stir mixture into simmering beans until desired consistency is reached. This should thicken the beans right up within 1-2 minutes. Just be careful not to boil the beans once cornstarch is added.
Purée a Portion
Puréeing a portion of the cooked beans with a bit of liquid is a fast shortcut to thicker beans. Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer a cup or two of beans and liquid to a countertop blender. Purée until smooth and stir back into pot.
Add Rice or Grains
Cooked rice, barley, farro or other grains can be used to absorb excess moisture and add thickness to beans. Make sure to cook grains al dente so they retain some bite. Stir 1-2 cups cooked grains into beans once tender.
Finish with Mascarpone or Crema
Stirring in a dollop of mascarpone cheese or Mexican crema at the end of cooking is a delicious way to add thickness and richness to beans. The fat and dairy solids from these ingredients will help create a smooth, creamy texture.
Mix in Masa Harina
Masa harina, or masa flour, acts as a great thickening agent for beans. Masa harina is made from corn that has been treated with lime, giving it a distinctive corn flavor. Mix a few tablespoons into simmering beans, stirring constantly until thickened.
Conclusion
With a variety of easy tricks like mashing, simmering uncovered, and adding starchy mix-ins, you can achieve the perfect thick and creamy texture for pinto beans. Balancing the cooking time and liquid is also key to getting pintos with just the right amount of thickness. The next time your pinto bean dish turns out too watery, give a few of these tips a try to get it just right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my pinto beans watery?
Pinto beans can turn out watery if they are undercooked, the cooking liquid is too thin, or not enough starch is released from the beans. Make sure to simmer them sufficiently until very soft and use thickening techniques like mashing some beans or simmering uncovered.
Should pinto beans be thick or thin?
Pinto beans are generally best when they reach a thick, creamy consistency. They should be completely soft and tender but not overly watery or thin. Exact thickness depends on the dish but you typically want them thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Do pinto beans thicken as they cool?
Yes, pinto beans will often thicken slightly as they cool after cooking. The starch continues to set up even after heating stops. But for best results, be sure to use proper thickening techniques while beans are hot on the stove top.
What is the white stuff on cooked pinto beans?
The white residue on cooked pinto beans is starch that has leached out from inside the beans. It is perfectly normal and safe to eat. To remove it for aesthetic reasons, simply drain and rinse beans after cooking.
Can I make pinto beans thicker by cooking them longer?
Yes, cooking pinto beans longer can help release more starch from inside them which will thicken up the cooking liquid. Make sure to add more water if needed to keep beans from scorching.
Thickness Tips
Here are some top tips for getting perfectly thick pinto beans:
- Simmer beans at least 1-2 hours until very soft
- Drain beans and rinse after cooking
- Mash a portion of the cooked beans
- Leave pot uncovered as beans simmer
- Add tomato sauce, paste or crushed tomatoes
- Stir in starchy vegetables like potatoes or carrots
- Make a quick flour and oil roux to stir in
- Finish beans with cornstarch slurry
- Purée some beans and stir back in
- Introduce cooked rice, grains or masa harina
- Stir in mascarpone cheese or Mexican crema
Using Beans in Recipes
Here are some ways to use pinto beans creatively once you’ve achieved the perfect thickness:
| Recipe | Bean Uses |
|---|---|
| Pinto bean soup | Purée some beans as a thickener |
| Pinto bean dip | Mash beans with oil and seasonings |
| Pinto bean tacos | Season beans with taco spices |
| Pinto bean burgers | Bind with egg, breadcrumbs and mashed beans |
| Pinto bean salad | Toss beans with veggies and dressing |
| Pinto bean enchiladas | Fill tortillas with seasoned, thick beans |
Thick and creamy pinto beans are endlessly versatile. Whether mashing some into a dip, turning them into veggie burger patties, or spooning them into tacos, properly thickened pintos can take your recipes to the next level. Now that you know how to achieve the perfect texture, get ready to enjoy pinto beans in all your favorite dishes.
Troubleshooting Thickness
Use this troubleshooting guide if your pinto beans still turn out too thin:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Undercooked beans | Simmer longer until beans are completely tender |
| Too much cooking liquid | Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid |
| Didn’t mash beans | Use masher or fork to mash portion of beans |
| No starchy thickeners used | Introduce rice, vegetables, tomato or masa |
| Didn’t make slurry | Whisk together cornstarch and water, stir in |
| Added too much extra liquid | Reduce amount of broth or water |
Checking for these common issues should help you identify why your beans lack thickness and find the right solution. With the proper techniques, you’ll be able to achieve perfect pinto bean consistency every time.
Conclusion
Pinto beans may start out small, dry and hard, but when prepared properly, they transform into a soft, thick and creamy bean that is versatile and delicious. There are many simple tricks like mashing, adding starches, simmering uncovered, and puréeing that you can use to get the ideal texture. Balancing the initial cooking time and liquid is key, and finishing techniques like adding tomato sauce or a flour roux can ensure your beans end up with just the right amount of thickness. With the troubleshooting tips provided here, you should be well on your way to thick and luscious pinto beans that will elevate all of your favorite dishes.