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For a great Copycat Rubio's Pinto Beans recipe, you need a few key ingredients. First, you need dried pinto beans. They form the base of the dish. Use two cups for a hearty serving.

Copycat Rubio's Pinto Beans

Discover the secret to making mouthwatering Copycat Rubio's Pinto Beans right in your kitchen! This easy recipe reveals the perfect blend of ingredients and cooking methods to achieve that incredible flavor everyone loves. From selecting the best beans to enhancing the taste with spices and herbs, you'll have everything you need for a delicious meal. Click through to explore the full recipe and start enjoying this tasty dish today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups dried pinto beans

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon chili powder

1 bay leaf

4 cups vegetable broth or water

Salt to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Juice of 1 lime

Instructions
 

Prepare the Beans: Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris. Soak the beans in a large bowl of water overnight, or for at least 6 hours. Drain and rinse again before cooking.

    Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.

      Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        Cook the Beans: Add the soaked and drained pinto beans to the pot along with the bay leaf. Pour in the vegetable broth or water, ensuring the beans are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

          Simmer: Let the beans simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the beans absorb too much liquid, add more broth or water as needed. Cook until the beans are tender.

            Season: Stir in salt to taste, and squeeze in the juice of one lime for an added zing. Remove the bay leaf.

              Mash (Optional): For creamier beans, use a potato masher to gently mash some of the beans. This will create a thicker consistency and enhance the flavor.

                Serve: Ladle the beans into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro on top.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the beans with warm tortillas on the side, drizzled with additional lime juice and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for added flavor. Enjoy your flavorful, homemade pinto beans just like Rubio's!