Power of Pintos

Never judge a food by its size! Nutrient-dense, cost effective and grown in Alberta, pinto beans have a lot of power in a tiny package, and if they’re not already on your grocery list, they should be! An incredible source of protein, fibre, good-for-you vitamins and antioxidants, pinto beans are one of the largest bean crops in Alberta, and eating them is an easy way to support your health without breaking the bank. So you’ve picked up some pintos…now what? Here are five easy ways to incorporate pinto beans into your regular meal routine!

 1. Amp up your filling.

Mix cooked pintos into the filling of your enchiladas, quesadillas or breakfast burritos for an easy nutrient boost.

2. Get Dipping

Whole, mashed or blended, pintos are a great addition to your chips n’ dip routine! For a classic pinto bean dip, try this super easy recipe for refried beans, which doubles as a spread for tacos.

3. Sneak it into supper.

We all know that chili would be nothing without beans, but you can also incorporate pintos into your favourite soup or stew, or try it in this ratatouille recipe!

4. Create some crunch.

Craving a crunchy snack? Roast pintos and season them for nutritious, on-the-go eats.

5. Pump up the protein in your salad.

Toss pinto beans in your salad for a boost of vitamins and antioxidants! Try this recipe for an easy weekday salad.

Looking for more ways to enjoy pinto beans? Check out the Alberta Pulse Growers recipe index for some inspiration on how to incorporate beans, lentils and chickpeas into your regular meal routine!

Content and Photo Credit: Erin Walker