Timeless Pinto Beans

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 4 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
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Timeless Pinto Beans are a comforting classic that never fails to satisfy. This recipe elevates simple pantry staples into a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any season. Dive into this wholesome recipe that’s as economical as it is delicious.

Ingredients for Timeless Pinto Beans

Pinto beans: These are the star of the dish, providing a creamy texture and earthy flavor. Make sure to pick through them to remove any tiny stones or debris.

Water: Essential for cooking the beans and creating a broth-like consistency.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth. Once sautéed, it blends into the beans, enhancing their natural flavor.

Garlic: Provides warmth and a subtle bite, complementing the beans beautifully.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Add gradually and adjust as needed.

Black pepper: A touch of heat that balances the dish.

Cumin: Earthy and aromatic, it gives the beans a warm, slightly smoky flavor.

Paprika: Adds color and a mild sweetness. Feel free to use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.

Bay leaf: Infuses the beans with a subtle herbal note that rounds out the dish.

Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the onion and garlic, bringing out their flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Soaking beans overnight can reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
  • A slow cooker or pressure cooker can be used for a set-and-forget approach.
  • If the beans seem dry, add more water in small increments.

Serving Suggestions

These pinto beans are versatile and can complement a variety of dishes. Serve them with warm cornbread or over a bed of fluffy rice. They pair beautifully with grilled meats or can be served alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pinto beans?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time accordingly and adjust seasonings to taste.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Smoked sausage or bacon can be added for additional flavor.

Timeless Pinto Beans Recipe Walkthrough

Start by rinsing and sorting the pinto beans. Look out for any debris or damaged beans and discard them. Once sorted, place the beans in a large pot with about 10 cups of water. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially to allow steam to escape and let the beans cook for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

While the beans are simmering, heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

After 2 hours, add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the beans. Stir in the salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and bay leaf. Continue to cook for another hour, or until the beans are tender and flavorful.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Budget-friendly and uses pantry staples.
  • Rich, savory flavor with simple seasonings.
  • Perfect for batch cooking and meal prep.
  • Adaptable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

2 lbs pinto beans
10 cups water
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse and sort the pinto beans, removing any debris.
2. In a large pot, combine beans and water. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours, partially covered.
4. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.
5. Add sautéed onions, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and bay leaf to the beans.
6. Continue to cook beans for another hour, or until tender.
7. Adjust seasoning to taste and remove bay leaf before serving.

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