Why You’ll Love This Beer Simmered Beans Recipe
Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course, you’ll love this Beer Simmered Beans recipe. I can’t get enough of the rich, savory flavors that come together in this dish.
The combination of creamy beans with a hint of spice from the jalapeños creates a delicious contrast. And let’s not forget the beer—it adds depth that elevates the entire meal.
Plus, it’s super easy to make! In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Trust me, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients of Beer Simmered Beans
When it comes to whipping up a dish that’s both simple and packed with flavor, Beer Simmered Beans are a go-to for me! Not only do they come together in just 15 minutes, but they also make use of ingredients you probably already have hanging out in your pantry.
And who doesn’t love a dish that involves beer? I mean, it’s practically a party in a pot. So, let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to create something delicious.
Here’s what you’ll need for your Beer Simmered Beans:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup light beer
- 2 jalapeno peppers, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 onion, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 dash pepper
Now, let’s talk about these ingredients a bit more. You can totally customize this recipe according to your taste. If you like it spicier, throw in more jalapeños or even some hot sauce.
And if you’re not a fan of beer (gasp), you could swap it out for vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic twist. Mixing in other beans, like kidney or cannellini, can also add different textures and flavors.
And don’t skimp on the garlic; it adds such a beautiful aroma and taste that you’ll want to fill your kitchen with it. Trust me, these little tweaks can make this recipe your own!
How to Make Beer Simmered Beans
Alright, let’s plunge into making these Beer Simmered Beans. First things first, grab a large saucepan because we’re about to create a flavor explosion.
Start by tossing in 1 (15 ounce) can of pinto beans and 1 (15 ounce) can of black beans that you’ve already rinsed and drained. This combo gives you that hearty base that’s just oh-so-satisfying. It’s like the warm hug of the bean world.
Next, pour in 1 cup of light beer. Now, if you’re not a beer drinker, don’t panic; it just gives the beans this wonderful depth of flavor. If beer isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it out for vegetable broth. But really, there’s something special about the beer; it’s the uninvited guest that turns a dinner into a fiesta.
Add in 2 minced jalapeño peppers (feel free to adjust if you like it spicier), along with 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 minced onion. Oh, the aroma will be incredible.
Then, sprinkle in 1 1/2 teaspoons of cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and just a dash of pepper for good measure.
Stir everything together, and let it simmer gently on medium heat for about 15 minutes. This is your time to relax and let the beans soak up all those flavors. As it simmers, you can even sneak a taste—just be careful; it’s hot!
Once the time is up, you can serve these beauties warm or let them chill for a revitalizing side dish later. Trust me, whether you’re enjoying them at a barbecue or as a cozy weeknight meal, these Beer Simmered Beans will make you feel like a culinary superstar, even if you can’t remember where you put the measuring cups.
Beer Simmered Beans Substitutions & Variations
While the original Beer Simmered Beans recipe is fantastic on its own, I love experimenting with substitutions and variations to cater to my taste or dietary needs.
For a lighter option, I sometimes swap the light beer for vegetable broth, giving it a different depth of flavor. If I want more spice, I add diced serrano peppers instead of jalapeños.
Black beans can be replaced with kidney beans for a twist, too. For a vegetarian version, I omit the beer altogether and use a non-alcoholic alternative.
Each variation brings something unique to the dish, making it exciting every time!
Additional Tips & Notes
One key tip for making Beer Simmered Beans is to let them sit for a while after cooking. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
I also recommend adjusting the spice level to your preference; if you love heat, toss in more jalapeños or even some chili powder.
Don’t forget to serve these beans with some crusty bread or over rice for a heartier dish.
Finally, they can be stored in the fridge for a few days, so feel free to make a larger batch and enjoy them throughout the week!