Pinto beans are a pantry staple loved for their creamy texture and rich flavor. Whether you’re making a hearty side dish or a main course, cooking pinto beans from scratch is easier than you think. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, with tips to make your beans tender, tasty, and perfect every time.
Why Cook Pinto Beans from Scratch?
Cooking pinto beans yourself beats canned beans in flavor, texture, and nutrition. You control the seasoning, avoid preservatives, and enjoy a fresher taste. Plus, dried beans are budget-friendly and store well for long periods.
What You’ll Need
– 1 pound dried pinto beans
– Water for soaking and cooking
– Olive oil or bacon fat
– Aromatics: onion, garlic
– Seasonings: salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder (optional)
– Optional extras: bay leaf, fresh herbs, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth
Step 1: Sort and Rinse Your Beans
Start by spreading out the dried beans on a clean surface. Pick through them carefully to remove any small stones, broken beans, or debris. Then rinse the beans thoroughly under cold running water to wash away dust or dirt.
Step 2: Soak the Beans
Soaking helps soften the beans and reduces cooking time. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with at least 3 inches of water. Let them soak for 8 to 12 hours or overnight at room temperature. If you’re short on time, you can skip soaking, but expect longer cooking times.
Step 3: Prepare the Aromatics
While the beans soak or after draining them, prepare your aromatics. Heat olive oil or bacon fat in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-10 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Seasonings
Stir in your spices-common choices are chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and black pepper. Cook the spices with the aromatics for 30 seconds to release their flavors. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aroma.
Step 5: Add Beans and Liquid
Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then add them to the pot with the aromatics and spices. Pour in about 6 cups of water or broth-enough to cover the beans by about an inch. Add a bay leaf if you like. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the pot partially with a lid and let the beans simmer gently. Soaked beans usually take about 1 to 1.5 hours to become tender, while unsoaked beans may take up to 2 hours or more. Stir occasionally and add more water if the beans look dry or the liquid level drops below the beans.
Step 7: Season to Taste
Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf and season with salt. It’s best to add salt towards the end of cooking to avoid toughening the beans. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as desired.
Optional Flavor Boosters
– Bacon or smoked meat: Cook bacon first, remove it, and sauté onions in the bacon fat for a smoky depth. Add bacon back into the beans before simmering.
– Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami richness when stirred in with the beans.
– Chicken broth: Use broth instead of water for a richer bean broth.
Serving Suggestions
Pinto beans are incredibly versatile. Serve them:
– As a side dish with grilled meats or barbecue
– With warm tortillas and queso fresco for a Mexican-inspired meal
– Mashed into refried beans
– Over rice with fresh cilantro and lime
Tips for Perfect Pinto Beans Every Time
– Soaking is optional but recommended for softer beans and faster cooking.
– Keep the heat low during simmering to prevent splitting or mushiness.
– Stir gently to avoid breaking beans.
– Save leftover beans with their cooking liquid in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks.
Cooking pinto beans from scratch is simple and rewarding. With a little patience, you’ll enjoy creamy, flavorful beans that elevate any meal.
Enjoy your delicious homemade pinto beans!