PINTO BEANS WITH CHILES

Pinto Beans with Chiles image

Provided by Amy Finley

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 dried ancho chiles,* stemmed
2 cups boiling water
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, peeled
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 15-ounce cans pinto beans, rinsed, drained
1 1/2 cups low-salt chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

Place chiles in bowl. Pour 2 cups boiling water over. Let soak until chiles are soft, about 20 minutes. Strain, reserving 1/2 cup soaking liquid. Seed chiles; place in processor. Add onion, garlic, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup soaking liquid; puree. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover; chill.
Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add chile puree; stir until slightly thickened, about 4 minutes. Add beans, broth, bay leaves, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Available at many supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Latin markets.