Calico Beans
A delightful combination of tender beans and crunchy vegetables, Calico Beans is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that promises to bring comfort and flavor to any gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed beans (canned or pre-cooked—kidney, navy, and pinto beans) Feel free to mix and match your beans!
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 each bell pepper, diced (any color!)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by draining and rinsing your canned beans. Dice the onion and bell pepper into small pieces.
Cooking
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until they soften—about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Once the veggies are tender, add the rinsed beans, corn, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Sprinkle in the brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the flavors meld together.
- Lower the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sample your Calico Beans, adjusting seasoning if needed. You might want to add a pinch more sugar or chili powder, depending on your personal preference.
- Once heated through, remove from heat and serve hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of yogurt if desired.
Notes
Beans Selection: Feel free to mix and match your beans! Black beans or garbanzo beans can add a unique flavor profile. Timing: Don’t rush the simmering step; it’s crucial for enhancing the flavors. Avoiding Mistakes: To prevent the beans from becoming mushy if you’re using dried beans, make sure to soak and cook them properly before adding to the dish. Spice Level: If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.