Are you a vegan or vegetarian who loves fast food but struggles to find options that fit your dietary restrictions?
Bojangles, a popular chicken-centric fast food chain, may surprise you with their vegan menu options. But what about their pinto beans? Are they truly vegan-friendly, or do they contain pork?
In this article, we’ll dive into the ingredients and cooking methods used by Bojangles to determine whether their pinto beans are safe for vegans and vegetarians to enjoy.
So grab a seat and get ready to learn more about this southern-style fast food chain’s offerings.
Does Bojangles Pinto Beans Have Pork In Them?
Bojangles’ pinto beans are a popular side dish that many vegans and vegetarians may be interested in trying. But the question remains: do they contain pork?
After researching the ingredients and cooking methods used by Bojangles, we can confirm that their pinto beans are indeed vegan-friendly. They are slow-cooked with a blend of seasonings, including cumin, garlic, and onion powder, and do not contain any animal products.
This is great news for those who are looking for plant-based options at fast food restaurants. Bojangles’ pinto beans provide a good source of protein and are a tasty addition to any meal.
Bojangles’ Vegan Menu Options
While Bojangles may not have a wide range of vegan options, there are still a few menu items that vegans can enjoy. Here are the vegan options available at Bojangles:
1. Cajun Pinto Beans: These slow-cooked beans are seasoned with a blend of spices, including cumin, garlic, and onion powder. They are a great source of protein and are highly recommended by many vegan customers.
2. BBQ Sauce: Bojangles’ BBQ sauce is vegan-friendly and can be used as a dipping sauce for fries or as a topping for salads.
3. Green Beans: These tender green beans are cooked with a blend of seasonings and are a healthy side dish option.
4. Breakfast Picnic Grits: These creamy grits are a favorite among vegan customers and come with your choice of two sides, including sausage gravy, bacon gravy, or country ham.
5. Garden Salad (No Cheese): The garden salad at Bojangles is made with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers. Just make sure to ask for it without cheese.
6. Ken’s Fat Free Italian Dressing: This dressing is vegan-friendly and can be used to add flavor to salads or as a dipping sauce for veggies.
It’s important to note that Bojangles’ fryer oil contains beef fat, so even the fries and hash browns are not vegan. Additionally, cross-contamination is a concern at Bojangles as practically everything made in the restaurant will come into contact with shared cooking surfaces or tools. Therefore, vegans who discount foods made with cross-contaminated tools may not find anything safe to eat at Bojangles.
Ingredients In Bojangles’ Pinto Beans
Bojangles’ pinto beans are made with a simple list of ingredients that are easy to find and prepare. Here is a breakdown of the ingredients used in their recipe:
– Pinto Beans: The key ingredient in this recipe is pinto beans, which are a great source of protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. They are slow-cooked to perfection and seasoned with a blend of spices.
– Seasonings: Bojangles’ pinto beans are seasoned with a bold blend of seasonings that includes cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. These spices add flavor and depth to the dish.
– Water: Water is used to cook the beans and create a rich broth that is full of flavor.
– Salt: A small amount of salt is added to the recipe to enhance the flavor of the beans.
Cooking Methods Used By Bojangles
Bojangles’ pinto beans are slow-cooked using traditional methods to ensure that they are flavorful and tender. The cooking process begins by rinsing and washing the beans thoroughly. Then, the beans are soaked for 24 hours to help degas them and prevent stomach aches.
After soaking, the beans are placed in a large pot with smoked meat, which provides a rich and savory flavor. The pot is filled with water, and the beans are brought to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, the heat is reduced, and the pot is covered with a lid to allow the beans to cook slowly for three hours.
During the cooking process, seasoning is added to enhance the flavor of the beans. After two hours of cooking, tomato sauce is added to give the beans a rich color. Sugar is also added to balance out the flavors.
Finally, chopped green onion is added to the pot and lightly stirred before serving. The result is a delicious and hearty side dish that pairs well with cornbread, rice, or noodles.
Bojangles’ slow-cooking method ensures that their pinto beans are cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. And best of all, they are vegan-friendly and contain no pork or other animal products.
Are Bojangles’ Pinto Beans Safe For Vegans And Vegetarians?
Yes, Bojangles’ pinto beans are safe for both vegans and vegetarians to consume. The ingredients used to make the beans do not contain any animal products, and they are slow-cooked with a blend of seasonings that are all plant-based. This makes them a great option for those who are looking for a protein-rich side dish that is also vegan-friendly.
It is important to note that while the pinto beans themselves are safe for vegans and vegetarians, other items on Bojangles’ menu may not be. Many of their fried foods, including French fries and Bo-Tato Rounds, are fried in a mixture of canola oil and beef fat, making them non-vegan. Additionally, some of their other side dishes, such as mashed potatoes and dirty rice, contain dairy or meat products.
Other Vegan-Friendly Options At Bojangles
While Bojangles may not be the most vegan-friendly fast food chain, there are still a few other options for those who are looking for plant-based meals. Some of these options include:
1. Garden Salad (No Cheese or Croutons): This is a classic vegan option that can be found at most fast food chains. Bojangles’ garden salad is made with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Just make sure to ask for it without cheese or croutons.
2. Ken’s Fat Free Italian Dressing: This dressing is vegan and can be added to any salad or used as a dipping sauce.
3. Cajun Pintos: These slow-cooked pinto beans are vegan-friendly and are a good source of protein.
4. Green Beans: Bojangles’ green beans are also vegan-friendly and can be a healthy side dish option.
5. BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce at Bojangles is vegan and can be used as a dipping sauce or added to any meal for some extra flavor.
While these options may not be extensive, they can still provide some variety for those who are looking for vegan options at Bojangles. It is important to note that some of the sides may come into contact with non-vegan items during preparation, so it is always best to ask the staff about any potential cross-contamination issues.
