Pinto beans

Here’s a straightforward and hearty recipe for Classic Pinto Beans — perfect as a side dish, for burritos, or to enjoy on their own!

🍲 Classic Pinto Beans

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ soaking time if using dried beans)

⏲️ Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (if dried beans)

🍽️ Serves: 6

✨ Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried pinto beans (or 4 cups cooked/canned, drained and rinsed)

• 6 cups water or broth (chicken or vegetable)

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp chili powder (optional)

• 2 tbsp olive oil or bacon drippings

• Optional: diced jalapeño, smoked paprika, bay leaf, chopped cilantro

🥣 Instructions:

If Using Dried Beans:

1. Soak Beans (Optional but recommended):

• Rinse beans well. Soak in plenty of water for at least 6 hours or overnight.

• Drain and rinse before cooking.

2. Cook Beans:

• In a large pot, heat olive oil or bacon drippings over medium heat.

• Sauté onion, garlic (and jalapeño if using) until softened, about 5 minutes.

• Add beans, water/broth, cumin, chili powder, bay leaf if using.

• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender.

3. Season:

• Add salt during the last 20 minutes of cooking (adding too early can toughen beans).

• Adjust seasoning to taste.

If Using Canned Beans:

• Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.

• Add rinsed canned beans, a splash of broth or water, cumin, chili powder.

• Simmer 10–15 minutes to meld flavors.

🧂 Serve With:

• Rice or cornbread

• Tacos, burritos, or nachos

• Fresh salsa, chopped onions, or shredded cheese

🔁 Variations:

• For refried beans, mash cooked beans with a little cooking liquid and fry in oil until creamy.

• Add smoked ham hock or bacon for deeper flavor.

• Spice it up with cayenne or hot sauce.