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Pinto-Bean Mole Chilli

This pinto bean mole chilli is a deeply savoury vegetarian dish that brings the complex, smoky flavours of Mexican cooking to your kitchen. By combining earthy ancho and spicy chipotle chillies with a hint of dark chocolate and warming cinnamon, the sauce develops a sophisticated depth that perfectly complements the hearty beans. Bright notes of orange zest and fresh kale lift the dish, ensuring it feels vibrant rather than heavy.

Ideal for a nutritious mid-week supper or a relaxed weekend gathering, this healthy bean stew is a fantastic way to pack more vegetables into your diet. The pinto beans provide a creamy texture and plenty of plant-based protein, making it a satisfying meal served over fluffy white rice. Top with a spoonful of cool soured cream and fresh coriander to balance the subtle heat of the mole base.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Pinto-Bean Mole Chilli

  • 2 medium dried ancho chillies, wiped clean

  • 1 dried chipotle chilli, wiped clean

  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and cooled

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled

  • Rounded 1/8 teaspoons cinnamon

  • 2 medium onions, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 3 medium courgette and/or yellow squash, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

  • 350g kale, stems and centre ribs discarded and leaves coarsely chopped

  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

  • 1/8 teaspoons sugar

  • 30g unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped (45ml )

  • 1 (400g) can whole tomatoes in juice, drained, reserving juice, and chopped

  • 300ml water

  • 3 (425g) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed

  • Equipment: an electric coffee/spice grinder

  • Accompaniments: rice

  • chopped coriander

  • chopped spring onions

  • soured cream

How to make Pinto-Bean Mole Chilli

Slit chillies lengthwise, then stem and seed. Heat a dry heavy medium skillet over medium heat until hot, then toast chillies, opened flat, turning and pressing with tongs, until pliable and slightly changed in colour, about 30 seconds. Tear into small pieces.

Pulse cumin seeds and chillies in grinder until finely ground. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in oregano, cinnamon, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.

Cook onions in oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute, then add chilli mixture and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Stir in courgette and kale and cook, covered, 5 minutes. Add zest, sugar, chocolate, tomatoes with their juice, and water and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.

Stir in beans and simmer 5 minutes. Season with salt.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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