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Smoky Kidney Bean & Chorizo Skillet

weeknightspicymexican-inspired
10 minPrep20 minCook4Serves

Ingredients

  • 8 ounceschorizo sausage
  • ·yellow onion
  • ·garlic
  • 2 canskidney beans (15 ounce cans)
  • 1 candiced tomatoes (14.5 ounce can)
  • 1 teaspoonsmoked paprika
  • ¾ teaspooncumin
  • ¼ teaspooncayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoonolive oil
  • 1 pinchsalt and black pepper
  • ·lime
  • ·cilantro

Prep

  1. 01

    Dice 1 medium yellow onion.

  2. 02

    Mince 3 cloves garlic.

  3. 03

    Cut 1 lime into wedges.

  4. 04

    Roughly chop a handful of fresh cilantro.

Method

  1. 01

    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. 02

    Add chorizo and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it into chunks, until browned and fat releases. Transfer to a plate.

  3. 03

    Add onion to the same skillet and cook for 3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

  4. 04

    Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 3/4 teaspoon cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Toast for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  5. 05

    Add 2 cans kidney beans (drained and rinsed) and 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir to combine and return chorizo to the skillet.

  6. 06

    Simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

  7. 07

    Squeeze 1 lime over the skillet and stir. Top with fresh cilantro and serve over rice or with crusty bread.

Spice Tips

For deeper heat, increase cayenne to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of chipotle powder. For gentle warmth without fire, reduce cayenne to 1/8 teaspoon or omit it entirely. A dollop of sour cream or crema cools the heat at the table.

Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully. Serve with rice, cornbread, or over a baked sweet potato for heartier meals. Feel free to swap chorizo for smoked sausage if you prefer milder heat.

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