Looking for a pinto bean substitute? Explore our guide to find the best pinto bean alternatives such as cannellini, borlotti and black beans. Learn how to make substitutions for similar results in a variety of recipes.
What are pinto beans?
Pinto beans are a popular variety of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). When dry they have a beige color with a dark brown mottled appearance. The word 'pinto' in Spanish means 'painted' or 'spotted' which refers to this mottling. Cooked beans lose this mottling and have a uniformly pinkish-brown color.
They're high in plant-based protein, prebiotic fiber, and micronutrients such as B vitamins. They're also a source of antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
Pinto beans are very popular in Latin-American cuisine, but are also often consumed in the US. You may have tried them before in dishes like refried beans, chilis and stews where they provide a very creamy, hearty texture and mild, nutty flavor.
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Uses
Pinto beans are used in many dishes around the world, here are some of the most popular ones which you may have tried:
Refried beans - The beans become very creamy and soft when boiled making them perfect for mashing into a smooth puree. This is usually cooked with some onion, fat, and seasonings which results in a flavorful dip or spread for using in a variety of Mexican dishes.
Burritos - Cooked beans can be spiced and spooned into burritos as a vegetarian or vegan protein source.
Chilis - Pinto beans are a common addition to chili where they bulk up the stew, absorbing flavor, and retain their creamy texture.
Stewed beans - 'Frijoles de la olla' meaning 'beans of the pot' is a traditional way to serve the beans, simply cooked in simmering water with garlic, onion, and salt.
Salads - They make a great addition to bean salads with their soft and creamy texture.
What is a good substitute for pinto beans?
Black Beans
With their dark hue and 'meaty' texture, black beans can work perfectly as a go-to swap for pinto beans. They work great in burritos, salads, and chilis as they hold up well when boiled or can be mashed to make refried beans.
To substitute, use a 1:1 ratio.
Borlotti Beans
Have a similar mottled appearance to pinto beans with pinky-brown and white coloring. They have a lovely buttery texture that mashes well. They're also classic in Italian cooking for using in soups and stews, so are a great swap in that context, too.
To substitute, use a 1:1 ratio.
Red Kidney Beans
Are firmer and less creamy than pinto beans, holding their shape well when boiled and have a deep flavor. This makes red kidney beans a great substitute to use in chili, stews or burrito fillings. Their thicker skins make them less suited to mashing.
To substitute, use a 1:1 ratio.
Cannellini Beans
Sometimes called 'white kidney beans', and usually used in Italian cooking. They have a milder flavor than pinto beans and a much paler color but work well in soups, salads, or chilis. They break down well into a creamy mash so can be used for refried beans, if needed.
To substitute, use a 1:1 ratio.
Great Northern Beans
Similar to the small white navy bean or larger lima bean, these are a white, medium-sized bean with a firm texture. Add into brothy, liquid-based recipes like soup, salad, or chili (like this pumpkin chili) where they'll retain their shape to add some texture. They produce a similarly creamy puree to pintos so can be great for making refried beans.
To substitute, use a 1:1 ratio.
Top tips
- Cook time: If cooking beans from dry, be sure to check the cook time needed. Dry beans must be soaked overnight, with pinto beans then needing to be simmered for 60-90 minutes. Other beans can differ in their cook times so you may need to adjust the recipe based on this.
- Adding liquid: Firmer beans may absorb more water when cooking so you may need add extra liquid to make sure the beans are adequately hydrated.
- Flavor and texture: Consider the desired taste and texture of the finished dish when choosing your substitute. Firmer, flavorful options like kidney and black beans work great in chilis, salads, and stews. Creamier beans like borlotti, Great Northern, or cannellini beans mash easily to make creamy refried beans.
FAQs
Yes, you can use pinto beans for their high protein content and slightly meaty texture to replace (either partially or fully) meats like ground beef, pork or chicken in a variety of dishes. They work well in recipes where there are added spices and aromatics like taco fillings, burrito bowls and chilis.
Borlotti, Great Northern, or cannellini beans make a great swap when making refried beans thanks to their thinner skins and soft, creamy texture which makes them easy to mash. Black beans will also work if you want a darker color, they'll produce a slightly chunkier, yet still creamy, mash.
You can swap out pinto beans for black beans, kidney beans, or borlotti beans which will retain their texture when stewed and won't just turn into mush.
Conclusion
There are lots of options when it comes to swapping out pinto beans in a variety of recipes like chilis, refried beans, and salads. When choosing your substitute, make sure you consider the color, flavor and texture you're looking for in the finished dish, and you'll be right on track to cook up your favorite recipes.
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