When I want a budget-friendly and tasty meal, I make my Bojangles Cajun Pinto Beans recipe. This is my weekend cooking go-to, and I love copying the Bojangles restaurant style because it has a special taste using simple ingredients from my kitchen. The rich, smoky flavor comes from smoked turkey, and the beans turn out soft and creamy.
I’ve made this recipe many times, and it always reminds me of the comfort food I grew up eating. If you want to make these delicious beans at home, just follow my simple steps.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tasty dish:
Pinto Beans (10 cups, soaked)
The star of the dish! Pinto beans provide a creamy texture and earthy flavor. Soaking softens them and shortens cooking time.
Smoked Turkey (2 pieces, leg and wing)
A key ingredient for that smoky, rich flavor. The turkey slowly infuses its essence into the beans, creating a savory broth.
Water (13 cups)
This forms the base for cooking the beans and transforms into a flavorful broth or “pot liquor.”
Yellow Onion (½, roughly chopped)
Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the dish as it simmers.
Garlic (6 fresh cloves, minced)
Enhances the overall flavor with its strong, savory aroma.
Oil (2 tbsp)
Helps distribute the spices and adds a hint of richness to the beans.
Salt (2 tbsp)
Balances all the flavors and highlights the natural taste of the ingredients.
Cumin (2 tbsp)
Brings a warm, earthy, slightly nutty flavor that complements the beans perfectly.
Paprika (1 tbsp)
Adds a mild smoky flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
Black Pepper (1 tsp)
A touch of gentle spice that rounds out the overall taste.
Sugar (1 tsp)
A small pinch of sweetness to balance the savory and smoky notes.
Green Onions (for garnish)
Fresh and colorful, green onions give the final dish a pop of freshness.
Tomato Sauce (a small amount)
Adds a rich color to the broth without overpowering the dish.
Possible Substitutions for This Recipe
If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! Here are some simple substitutions:
- Smoked Turkey: Use smoked ham hocks, bacon, or even smoked sausage for a similar smoky flavor.
- Pinto Beans: Swap with navy beans or black beans, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
- Yellow Onion: White or red onions work just fine.
- Tomato Sauce: Try tomato paste thinned with water or diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
- Cumin: Ground coriander is a mild alternative, though the flavor won’t be as earthy.
- Green Onions: Fresh parsley or cilantro can be used as a garnish.
Kitchen Appliances Needed
You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large pot or Dutch oven: For cooking the beans and broth.
- Cutting board and knife: To prep the onion and garlic.
- Measuring spoons and cups: To measure spices and liquids accurately.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring the pot.
How to Make Bojangles Copycat Cajun Pinto Beans
Here’s how you can make this comforting dish step by step:
Step 1 | Sort and Soak the Beans
Pick through the pinto beans to remove any debris or bad beans. Rinse them under running water and soak for 8-24 hours.
Step 2 | Prepare the Ingredients
Roughly chop the onion and mince the garlic. Gather all the spices and smoked turkey.
Step 3 | Start Cooking
In a large pot, add the smoked turkey, soaked beans, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 4 | Add Seasonings
Stir in oil, salt, cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 2 hours.
Step 5 | Skim the Foam
During the first 15 minutes, skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
Step 6 | Adjust the Flavor
Taste the pot liquor (the liquid the beans cook in) and adjust seasonings if needed. Add a little sugar to balance the flavors.
Step 7 | Finish with Tomato Sauce
Add a small amount of tomato sauce to give the dish a rich color. Stir gently.
Step 8 | Cook Until Tender
Continue simmering for another hour or until the beans are soft and creamy.
Step 9 | Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped green onions and serve hot with cornbread or rice.
Tips for Making the Perfect Dish
- Always soak the beans overnight for a creamier texture.
- Adjust the spices to your taste, especially the cumin and paprika.
- Don’t rush the cooking—low and slow is key for tender beans.
- If the broth gets too thick, add a splash of water to maintain the consistency.
Make Ahead Tips
These beans work great for meal prep. Here’s what I do to save time:
Sort and soak the beans the night before. Mix all the dry spices ahead of time and keep them ready. Chop the onions and garlic earlier in the day and keep in the fridge. You can even cook the whole dish a day before – the taste gets better overnight.
What to Serve with Cajun Pinto Beans
- Cornbread: Classic Southern pairing for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- White or Brown Rice: A simple side that complements the hearty beans.
- Steamed Vegetables: Balance the meal with light greens like collards or broccoli.
- Coleslaw: Adds a crunchy, tangy contrast.
- Grilled Meat: Smoked sausages, pork chops, or chicken make a perfect addition.
Storing Leftovers and Reheating Tips
These beans actually taste better the next day after the flavors blend together more. Here’s how I store and reheat them:
Let the beans cool completely before storing. Put them in closed containers and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze them too – they last about 3 months in the freezer. When freezing, leave some space at the top of the container since they expand a bit.
For reheating, I put them in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water if they seem dry. Stir now and then until they’re hot all the way through. You can use the microwave too – heat in short bursts and stir between each one.
Bojangles Cajun Pinto Beans Recipe FAQs
1. Why do I need to soak the beans first?
Soaking helps the beans cook faster and more evenly. It also makes them easier to digest. I soak mine overnight, but even 4 hours helps if you’re short on time. Just remember to rinse them well after soaking.
2. Can I use canned beans instead?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Drain and rinse 6 cans of pinto beans. The cooking time will be much shorter – about 30 minutes to heat through and blend the flavors.
3. How do I know when the beans are done cooking?
Test a few beans by mashing them against the side of the pot. They should be creamy inside with no hard center. The skin should be tender but still intact.
4. Why is my bean liquid too thin/thick?
If it’s too thin, keep cooking with the lid off to reduce the liquid. If too thick, add hot water a little at a time. The liquid should be like a thin gravy.
5. How spicy is this recipe?
This version is mild to medium. The heat comes mainly from black pepper and paprika. Add cayenne pepper if you want more heat.
6. Why did my beans take longer to cook than the recipe says?
Old beans take longer to cook. Also, if you added salt at the start, this can make beans take longer. Adding acids like tomato sauce too early can also slow cooking.
7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Put everything except the tomato sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 6 hours. Add the tomato sauce in the last hour.
8. My beans are still hard after cooking for hours. What went wrong?
Very old beans or hard water can cause this. Next time, try adding 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to the soaking water.
9. How can I thicken the liquid if it’s too thin?
Mash some of the cooked beans against the side of the pot and stir them back in. This naturally thickens the liquid.
Bojangles Cajun Pinto Beans Recipe
Enjoy the rich, smoky flavor of Bojangles Cajun Pinto Beans with this easy homemade recipe. Perfectly seasoned comfort food for your family!
Ingredients
- Pinto Beans: 10 cups (soaked overnight)
- Smoked Turkey: 2 pieces (leg and wing)
- Water: 13 cups
- Yellow Onion: ½, roughly chopped
- Garlic: 6 fresh cloves, minced
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: 2 tbsp
- Cumin: 2 tbsp
- Paprika: 1 tbsp
- Black Pepper: 1 tsp
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Green Onions: for garnish
- Tomato Sauce: a small amount
Instructions
Step 1 | Sort and Soak the Beans
Pick through the pinto beans to remove any debris or bad beans. Rinse them under running water and soak for 8-24 hours.
Step 2 | Prepare the Ingredients
Roughly chop the onion and mince the garlic. Gather all the spices and smoked turkey.
Step 3 | Start Cooking
In a large pot, add the smoked turkey, soaked beans, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 4 | Add Seasonings
Stir in oil, salt, cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 2 hours.
Step 5 | Skim the Foam
During the first 15 minutes, skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
Step 6 | Adjust the Flavor
Taste the pot liquor (the liquid the beans cook in) and adjust seasonings if needed. Add a little sugar to balance the flavors.
Step 7 | Finish with Tomato Sauce
Add a small amount of tomato sauce to give the dish a rich color. Stir gently.
Step 8 | Cook Until Tender
Continue simmering for another hour or until the beans are soft and creamy.
Step 9 | Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped green onions and serve hot with cornbread or rice.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 250Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 750mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 10gSugar: 2gProtein: 16g
Conclusion
My version of Bojangles Cajun Pinto Beans brings together simple ingredients for a hearty, filling meal that’s easy on your budget. Every time I make this recipe, it reminds me that good food doesn’t need to be complicated. The slow-cooked flavors and creamy beans make this dish extra special.
I hope you’ll try making these beans in your kitchen – they might become your new favorite too! Share your cooking experience with us, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest.
