Ingredients

400 g speckled pinto beans
1 onion , peeled and quartered
1/4 cup fresh thyme leave
2 bay leaves
6 medium red capsicums
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves , chopped
3/4 cup pickled jalapeno pepper
400 ml crushed tomatoes or 400 ml passata
1/2 teaspoon salt
225 g grated mature cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon plain flour
Frijoles Con Queso or Bean and Cheese Stew is a hearty dish that is popular in many South American countries. Topping the dish with cheese is a unique twist that adds flavour and makes it even more appealing. Stews are popular for their convenience, affordability and nutritional value. This bean stew is perfect for colder months as it is both warming and delicious. The dish is best enjoyed with a side of rice and a topping of fresh cilantro.

Instructions

1.Soak pinto beans in water overnight. Drain and add to a large pot with thyme, bay leaves, onion and enough water to cover the beans.
2.Cover the pot and let it cook over medium heat. Check occasionally and add water if necessary.
3.In another pan, roast red capsicums. Once the skin is charred, put the capsicums in a bowl and cover with cling film. Remove the skin once the capsicums have cooled down.
4.In a pan, heat olive oil on medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add in jalapeno and sauté for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
5.Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaves and onion, and mix in the garlic jalapeno mixture and crushed tomatoes. Add salt to taste.
6.Toss grated cheddar cheese with flour in a bowl.
7.Begin layering by spooning bean and sauce mixture into a casserole dish. Follow with a layer of roasted capsicums and then a layer of the cheddar flour mixture. Repeat until the bean mixture is used up. The final layer should be the cheddar flour mixture.
8.Preheat oven to 200C and bake the dish for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.

PROS

Frijoles Con Queso delivers a flavourful and filling meal that is perfect for cold days.
It is high in protein and essential nutrients that come from the beans.
The dish has a perfect cheese to bean ratio that makes it creamy and delicious.

CONS

The dish is not suitable for people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

It takes longer than most meals to cook due to the soaking of beans that takes place the night before.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Beans are high in protein, making Frijoles Con Queso a great meal option for vegetarians and vegans.
The high-fibre content in beans has been associated with reducing cholesterol levels.
Red capsicums are rich in vitamins C and A as well as in antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties.

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