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Lime-Cilantro Kidney Bean Skillet with Charred Corn

weeknightvegetarianmexican-inspiredquick
10 minPrep15 minCook4Serves

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoonolive oil
  • 1 mediumyellow onion
  • 3 clovegarlic
  • 1½ cupfrozen corn
  • 1 mediumred bell pepper
  • 2 can (15 oz each)kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 2 wholelime
  • 1 teaspooncumin
  • ½ teaspoonsmoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoonsalt
  • ¼ teaspoonblack pepper
  • ½ cup, packedfresh cilantro
  • ½ cupcotija cheese (crumbled, optional)

Prep

  1. 01

    Dice 1 medium yellow onion.

  2. 02

    Mince 3 cloves garlic.

  3. 03

    Dice 1 medium red bell pepper.

  4. 04

    Chop 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro.

Method

  1. 01

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. 02

    Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often, until softened and starting to turn golden.

  3. 03

    Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. 04

    Add frozen corn and diced bell pepper; cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn begins to char at the edges and pepper softens.

  5. 05

    Stir in drained kidney beans, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until beans are heated through.

  6. 06

    Remove from heat and squeeze juice from both limes into the skillet. Stir in chopped cilantro.

  7. 07

    Taste and adjust salt and lime as needed. Serve warm, topped with cotija cheese if desired.

Spice Tips

For gentle heat, add a pinch of cayenne or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the skillet with the spices. For more depth, stir in 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from canned chipotles. A dash of hot sauce at the table lets diners dial in their own heat.

This skillet is great served over rice, with tortillas, or as a side to grilled chicken. Leftovers keep for 3 days refrigerated and reheat beautifully.

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