Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe – Hungarian Chef

by Lori Walker, RD & Recipe Developer published on January 7, 2024

BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe is an iconic dish in the South, and it’s one of the most popular comfort foods in the entire region. This classic recipe is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a side dish, a main course, or even just as a snack. 

The combination of pinto beans, bacon, onion, and garlic makes this recipe truly one of a kind. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal, the BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe is the perfect choice!

bojangles pinto beans recipe

What is Bojangles’ Pinto Beans?

Bojangles received its name, after co-founder Jack Fulk heard the song “Mr. Bojangles” on the radio. Fulk struggled to come up with a name for his newly launched restaurant on Charlotte’s West Boulevard when it first debuted in 1977. 

Their menu has some awesome dishes to try but one of their most famous one is the BoJangles’ Pinto Beans. It is a classic Southern recipe that features pinto beans, bacon, onion, garlic, and other seasonings. 

This combination creates a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish, a main course, or just as a snack. The recipe is easy to make and can be customized to fit your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Bojangles’ Pinto Beans?

BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that is sure to please. The combination of pinto beans, bacon, onion, and garlic creates a unique flavor that is sure to keep you coming back for more. Plus, this dish is easy to make and can be tailored to fit your tastes. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and comforting meal, BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe is the perfect choice.

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How Does It Taste Like?

BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe has a unique combination of flavors that is sure to please. The combination of pinto beans, bacon, onion, and garlic creates a savory and comforting flavor. The bacon adds a smoky flavor while the pinto beans provide a hearty and filling base. The onion and garlic add a pungent and spicy flavor that adds depth to the dish.

The Ingredients

  • Tenderly Soaked Pinto Beans, for a creamy texture: Pinto beans, soaked to tenderness, form the hearty base of Bojangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe, delivering a creamy consistency and earthy flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
  • Turkey Piece, richly seasoned for depth: This smoked turkey piece brings a depth of flavor and richness, infusing the beans with smoky and savory notes, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Purified Water, crystal-clear for a pristine base: The use of purified water ensures a clean and pristine base for cooking, allowing the flavors of the ingredients to shine through while cooking the beans to perfection.
  • Yellow Onion, finely diced for savory essence: Finely diced yellow onion adds a delightful savory essence, blending seamlessly into the beans and enriching the overall flavor profile.
  • Pure Olive Oil, cold-pressed for richness: Cold-pressed olive oil provides a touch of richness to the dish, imparting a subtle and smooth undertone that enhances the overall taste and texture of the beans.
  • Himalayan Pink Salt, enhancing flavors subtly: Himalayan pink salt subtly elevates the dish, enhancing and balancing the flavors without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • Ground Cumin, aromatic and earthy: Ground cumin infuses the beans with its aromatic and earthy notes, contributing depth and complexity to the dish’s flavor profile.
  • Garlic Cloves, minced for robust aroma: Minced garlic cloves add a robust aroma and a depth of flavor, complementing the beans with their pungent yet savory essence.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper, for a hint of zing: Freshly ground black pepper offers a subtle zing, adding a touch of warmth and enhancing the overall taste profile of the beans.
  • Smoked Paprika, adding smoky warmth: Smoked paprika imparts a delightful smoky warmth, elevating the dish with its nuanced flavor and enhancing its overall richness.
  • Organic Cane Sugar, for a touch of sweetness: Organic cane sugar contributes a nuanced sweetness, balancing the savory elements and adding a subtle layer of complexity to the beans.
  • Green Onions for Garnish, finely chopped for vibrant appeal: Finely chopped green onions add a burst of freshness and vibrant appeal, serving as a delightful garnish that complements the dish beautifully.
  • Tomato Sauce for Color and Taste, adding depth and richness: Tomato sauce brings depth and richness, infusing the beans with a flavorful tang and a luscious texture, enhancing the overall taste experience.
bojangles pinto beans

Directions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients:

Rinse Pinto Beans: Place the tenderly soaked pinto beans in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Drain excess water and set aside.

Prep Aromatics: Finely dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic cloves, and chop the green onions finely for the garnish. Keep them separate.

Step 2: Cooking Process:

Heat Olive Oil: Take a large pot or Dutch oven and heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.

Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely diced onions to the heated oil. Stir and cook until they become translucent and start releasing their aroma. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, ensuring not to brown the garlic.

Building Flavors: Combine Ingredients: Add the soaked pinto beans, smoked turkey piece, Himalayan pink salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, freshly ground black pepper, organic cane sugar, and purified water to the pot containing sautéed onions and garlic.

Bring to Boil and Simmer: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer for about 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Adjust Seasonings:

Taste and Adjust: After simmering, check the seasoning. Taste the beans and adjust the salt, pepper, or any other spices as per your preference for the desired flavor profile.

Finishing Touch: Remove Turkey and Shred Meat: Once the beans are tender, take out the smoked turkey piece from the pot. Shred the meat using forks, removing any bones or unwanted parts.

Return Shredded Meat: Return the shredded turkey meat to the pot of beans. Stir well to incorporate the flavorful turkey into the beans.

Step 4: Serving:

Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cooked pinto beans with the finely chopped green onions for a vibrant finish and added freshness.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delightful Bojangles-inspired pinto beans as a side dish with rice, alongside cornbread, or as a flavorful accompaniment to your favorite main course.

Tips

– If you don’t have time to soak the beans overnight, you can use canned pinto beans. Drain and rinse the beans before using them in the recipe.

– To make the dish spicier, add more chili powder or cumin.

– If you prefer a more savory dish, you can add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of liquid smoke.

– To add some heat to the dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

– If you don’t have bacon, you can use diced ham or turkey bacon.

– To make the dish even heartier, add diced potatoes or carrots.

– If you don’t have time to cook the beans, you can use canned beans.

– For a vegetarian version of the dish, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

bojangles pinto beans

Nutrition Information

BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe is a healthy and nutritious dish that is packed with protein and fiber. One serving of this dish contains approximately 230 calories, 10 grams of fat, 33 grams of carbohydrates, and 14 grams of protein.

How to Store BoJangles’ Pinto Beans?

BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply place the desired amount of the dish in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until heated through.

What other Substitutes Can I Use in BoJangles’ Pinto Beans?

If you don’t have the ingredients listed above, there are several other substitutes that you can use. Here are five substitutes that you can use in BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe:

-Black beans: Black beans can be used as a substitute for pinto beans in this recipe.

-Turkey bacon: If you don’t have bacon, you can use diced turkey bacon as a substitute.

-Vegetable broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute.

-Diced potatoes: If you don’t have beans, you can use diced potatoes as a substitute.

-Cayenne pepper: If you don’t have chili powder, you can use cayenne pepper as a substitute.

bojangles pinto beans

Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe

BoJangles' Pinto Beans Recipe is an iconic dish in the South, and it's one of the most popular comfort foods in the entire region.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bojangles pinto beans recipe
Servings: 5
Calories: 305kcal

Equipment

  • cooking pot
  • chopping board
  • cooking spoon 

Ingredients

  • 1 Smoked Turkey Piece richly seasoned for depth
  • 5 cups of Tenderly Soaked Pinto Beans for a creamy texture
  • Green Onions for Garnish finely chopped for vibrant appeal
  • 1 tbsp Pure Olive Oil cold-pressed for richness
  • 6 ½ cups of Purified Water crystal-clear for a pristine base
  • 1/4 Yellow Onion finely diced for savory essence
  • 3 Plump Garlic Cloves minced for robust aroma
  • 1 tbsp Himalayan Pink Salt enhancing flavors subtly
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper for a hint of zing
  • 1 tbsp Ground Cumin aromatic and earthy
  • 1/2 tbsp Smoked Paprika adding smoky warmth
  • Tomato Sauce for Color and Taste adding depth and richness
  • 1/2 tsp Organic Cane Sugar for a touch of sweetness

Instructions

  • Rinse the tenderly soaked pinto beans thoroughly.
  • Finely dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves.
  • Chop the green onions for garnish.
  • Rinse the tenderly soaked pinto beans thoroughly.
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until they turn translucent and fragrant.
  • Add the soaked pinto beans, smoked turkey piece, Himalayan pink salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, freshly ground black pepper, organic cane sugar, and purified water to the pot.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 2-3 hours or until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or other spices as desired to achieve the preferred flavor profile.
  • Once the beans are cooked and tender, remove the smoked turkey piece and shred the meat. Return the shredded meat to the beans, stirring well.
  • Garnish the pinto beans with finely chopped green onions for a vibrant appeal.
  • Serve the flavorful Bojangles-inspired pinto beans alongside rice, cornbread, or as a side dish with your favorite main course.

Notes

  • If you don’t have time to soak the beans overnight, you can use canned pinto beans. Drain and rinse the beans before using them in the recipe.
  • To make the dish spicier, add more chili powder or cumin.
  • If you prefer a more savory dish, you can add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of liquid smoke.
  • To add some heat to the dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • If you don’t have bacon, you can use diced ham or turkey bacon.
  • To make the dish even heartier, add diced potatoes or carrots.
  • If you don’t have time to cook the beans, you can use canned beans.

Nutrition

Calories: 305kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What type of beans should I use in BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe?

A1. You can use either dried or canned pinto beans in this recipe.

Q2. How much does one serving of BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe contain?

A2. One serving of BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe contains approximately 230 calories, 10 grams of fat, 33 grams of carbohydrates, and 14 grams of protein.

Q3. Can I make BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe vegetarian?

A3. Yes, you can make BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Q4. Is BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe healthy?

A4. Yes, BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe is a healthy and nutritious dish that is packed with protein and fiber.

Q5. How long can I store BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe in the refrigerator?

A5. BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Q6. Can I add other vegetables to BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe?

A6. Yes, you can add diced potatoes or carrots to make the dish even heartier.

Q7. Can I use other seasonings in BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe?

A6. Yes, you can use additional seasonings such as Worcestershire sauce or liquid smoke to add more savory flavor.

Conclusion

BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe is a classic Southern dish that is sure to please. The combination of pinto beans, bacon, onion, and garlic creates a unique flavor that is sure to keep you coming back for more. 

Plus, this dish is easy to make and can be tailored to fit your taste. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and comforting meal, BoJangles’ Pinto Beans Recipe is the perfect choice!

You’ll also like these latest recipes!
Author Profile

Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more

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