How to Cook Pinto Beans Recipe

Introduction

Pinto beans are a classic staple in many kitchens, known for their creamy texture and earthy flavor. This simple recipe guides you through soaking and slow-cooking dried pinto beans to perfection. With a few aromatic additions, these beans make a hearty and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried pinto beans
• 3 to 4 cups broth (chicken, vegetable, beef, or water)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 to 3 smashed garlic cloves
• 1 onion (cut in half)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the dry pinto beans thoroughly, removing any dust or debris. Place them in a bowl and cover with water, using about 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of beans. Soak the beans for 8 to 24 hours to soften.
2. Step 2: After soaking, discard any beans that float, drain the water, and rinse the beans again.
3. Step 3: In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, combine the drained beans, bay leaves, onion halves, smashed garlic cloves, chili powder, and broth.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 1 hour.
5. Step 5: Continue simmering for an additional 1½ to 2 hours with the lid slightly ajar. Check the beans every 30 minutes, skimming off foam if desired and adding more water if the liquid evaporates.
6. Step 6: When the beans are tender, remove the bay leaves, onion, and garlic before serving. You can choose to keep or discard the cooking liquid according to your preference.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoky flavor, add a smoked paprika or a small piece of smoked meat during cooking.
• To speed up cooking time, use the quick-soak method by boiling the beans for 2 minutes, then soaking for 1 hour before cooking.
• Season with salt only after the beans are cooked to avoid toughening their skins.

Storage

Store cooked pinto beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I need to soak pinto beans before cooking?

Soaking pinto beans helps reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, but it is not mandatory. Unsoaked beans will need a longer simmering time.

Can I cook pinto beans in a slow cooker?

Yes, soaked pinto beans can be cooked in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours. Add enough liquid to cover the beans and include aromatics as desired.

How to Cook Pinto Beans Recipe

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This recipe guides you through the traditional method of cooking pinto beans from dried beans, resulting in tender, flavorful beans perfect for a variety of dishes. The beans are soaked overnight and then slowly simmered with aromatic ingredients like bay leaves, garlic, onion, and chili powder, in a flavorful broth for a hearty, satisfying result.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 8-24 hours soaking time)
• Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
• Total Time: Approximately 26 hours (including soak time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Southwestern
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beans and Broth

• 1 cup dried pinto beans
• 3 to 4 cups broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef) or water

Aromatics and Spices

• 2 bay leaves
• 2 to 3 smashed garlic cloves
• 1 onion, halved
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

1. Soaking the Beans: Rinse the dry pinto beans thoroughly to remove any dust or debris. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with enough water to soak—about 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of beans. Let them soak for 8 to 24 hours to soften.
2. Preparing Beans for Cooking: After soaking, discard any beans that float to the surface as they may be bad. Drain the soaking water and rinse the beans again quickly.
3. Cooking the Pinto Beans: In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, combine the drained beans with bay leaves, halved onion, smashed garlic cloves, chili powder, and 3 to 4 cups of your chosen broth or water.
4. Bringing to a Boil and Simmering: Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for about 1 hour.
5. Continuing to Simmer: After the first hour, adjust the lid so it’s slightly ajar to prevent boiling over. Continue simmering the beans for another 1½ to 2 hours, checking every 30 minutes to skim off any foam and add water as needed to keep the beans covered.
6. Final Steps: Once the beans are tender and cooked through, remove the bay leaves, onion halves, and garlic cloves from the pot. Decide if you want to keep the flavorful bean cooking liquid or drain it according to your preference.

Notes

• Soaking beans overnight reduces cook time and improves digestibility.
• Floating beans after soaking should be discarded as they may be spoiled.
• Adjust broth quantity based on desired bean consistency, adding more liquid for soupier beans.
• Skimming foam helps keep the broth clear and enhances flavor.
• If using water instead of broth, add extra seasonings to boost flavor.

Keywords: pinto beans, cooked beans, soaked beans, stovetop beans, easy bean recipe, homemade beans, chili powder beans, slow simmer beans