Are you ready to transform a simple can of kidney beans into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing? This Mexican-inspired Sweet and Sour Kidney Beans recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen! Imagine a dish that perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, creating a symphony of taste that's both incredibly easy to make and impressively delicious. Whether you're looking for a quick side dish or a versatile vegetarian option, this recipe is guaranteed to elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by draining and rinsing the kidney beans, dicing the bell peppers and onions into uniform small pieces.
- Heat the oil in a medium-sized skillet or saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers slightly.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the pan, sautéing until the vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to create the sweet and sour sauce.
- Pour the drained kidney beans into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and stir gently to combine.
- Add the prepared sweet and sour sauce to the beans and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes before serving hot as a side dish or over rice.
Tips
- Bean Preparation: Always drain and rinse canned kidney beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve texture.
- Vegetable Cutting: Dice bell peppers and onions into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
- Sauce Secret: Whisk the sweet and sour sauce ingredients separately before adding to ensure a smooth, well-integrated flavor.
- Sautéing Technique: Cook onions and bell peppers until they're just soft and slightly translucent to maintain their natural sweetness and texture.
- Simmering Success: Keep the heat low during the final simmering stage to allow flavors to meld without burning or overcooking the beans.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to customize the heat level.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over rice, as a side dish, or even as a unique topping for tacos or nachos to add versatility to your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
