Dominican-Inspired Pinto Beans Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 8–12 hours soaking time)Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Total Time: 2 hours (plus soaking time) Servings: 6–8 Ingredients - 2½ cups dry pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained - 1 medium yellow onion, diced - 1½–2 tablespoons minced garlic - 2 tablespoons sofrito - 4 cups water - 2 tablespoons neutral oil - ⅓ cup tomato paste - 1 packet Sazón seasoning - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - ½ teaspoon coriander - ½ teaspoon dried oregano - 2 bay leaves - 2 sprigs fresh thyme Instructions 1. Heat the neutral oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. 2. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant. 3. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Stir in the sofrito, bay leaves, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices and deepen their flavor. 4. Add the soaked and drained pinto beans and stir to coat them in the aromatics and spices. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 5. Stir in the Sazón seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Cover and continue simmering for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender. 6. Remove the lid so it sits partially open. Add the fresh thyme sprigs and continue cooking for 10–15 minutes, or until the liquid reduces and the beans reach your desired thickness. 7. Remove the bay leaves and thyme stems before serving. Serving Suggestions Serve over rice or quinoa and top with pickled onions and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Notes - If the beans become too thick during cooking, add ½–1 cup of water as needed. - For a creamier texture, mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot before serving. - Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days and often taste even better the next day. Freeze them for up to 2 months!

When people think about eating healthier, they usually look for fancy superfoods. Meanwhile, one of the most affordable, nutritious, and versatile foods is sitting right there on the grocery store shelf… BEANS. Whether it’s black beans, chickpeas, pinto beans, kidney beans, or lentils, beans are packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and nutrients that can help keep you feeling satisfied longer. But what I love most about beans? They’re incredibly versatile. You can add them to: 🌮 Tacos 🥗 Salads 🍲 Soups 🍛 Rice bowls 🥙 Wraps 🍔 Veggie burgers And if you’re trying to eat more fiber, beans are one of the easiest places to start. 👩🏾‍🍳 Taylor’d Tip: If you’re new to beans, start with black beans. They’re affordable, easy to find, and work in so many different meals. 💬 Let’s chat: What’s your favorite bean—or what’s one bean you’ve been wanting to try?

This video ended up getting over 11,000 views on TikTok, but what’s funny is that when I first created this meal, I wasn’t thinking about going viral. I was simply trying to solve a problem. At the time, so many people thought plant-based food meant giving up the comfort foods they grew up loving. They pictured bland salads, boring vegetables, and meals that felt more like punishment than enjoyment. I wanted to challenge that idea. So I created a meal that felt familiar, comforting, and full of flavor: crispy oyster mushrooms, creamy mac & cheese, candied yams, and all the things people thought they had to give up to eat differently. The reaction was always the same: “Wait… this is vegan?!” And honestly, that became my favorite part. Not because I wanted to trick people, but because I wanted to show them that eating more plant-based foods doesn’t have to feel restrictive. Looking back, this meal taught me something bigger. I realized I could only serve so many plates, but I could teach an unlimited number of people how to make these meals for themselves. That’s a huge reason why Taylor’d Cooking is evolving from selling plates to teaching recipes, cooking skills, and building community. So if you’re here, welcome. 🤎 My goal isn’t to make you perfect. It’s to help you build confidence in the kitchen, one meal at a time. 👇 I’d love to know: What is one comfort food you wish you could learn how to make plant-based? And if you’d like me to break down the techniques behind this meal, let me know below. That may become our next lesson.

Ever cook a meal, taste it, and think: “Something’s missing…” Before you add more salt, your food might actually be missing acid. Acid brightens flavors and makes food taste more balanced and vibrant. Some easy ways to add acid to your meals: 🍋 Lemon juice🍈 Lime juice🍎 Apple cider vinegar🍷 Red wine vinegar🍚 Rice vinegar Try adding a squeeze of lemon to:✔️ Soups✔️ Beans✔️ Pasta dishes✔️ Greens✔️ Roasted vegetables You’d be surprised how one small ingredient can completely transform a meal. 👩🏾‍🍳 Taylor’d Tip:If your food tastes flat, ask yourself: “Does this need acid?” 💬 Let’s chat:What’s your favorite way to add flavor to your meals?