Delicious Pot of Pinto Beans to eat with My Tortillas

Ingredients:

1 lb. of dry Pinto Beans

1 tbsp salt

6 cups of water

Chopped Cilantro(optional)

Diced onions, roma tomatoes and

jalapeños(optional)

Chopped Bacon(optional)save grease to add to Beans for flavor.

Instructions:

Wash and soak beans for at least 1 hour.

Place beans in pot adding the salt and start boiling on medium heat for a few hours.

While beans are cooking start cooking bacon.

When bacon is halfway done, add in your diced veggies and cook together until tender.

Add all veggies and bacon(plus grease)into beans and continue boiling until beans are tender.

Add more salt if necessary.

Enjoy

Notes:

Soaking Beans: Soaking the dry pinto beans for at least 1 hour helps reduce cooking time and improves texture. For quicker soaking, boil beans for 2 minutes then soak for an hour off the heat.

Cooking Beans: Boil soaked beans in 6 cups of water with 1 tbsp salt until tender, which typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Ensure the beans are submerged in water throughout cooking.

Bacon & Veggies: Cooking bacon halfway before adding diced onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños (if using) infuses flavor. Add cooked bacon, vegetables, and bacon grease to the boiling beans and continue cooking until beans are tender.

Adjusting Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt levels as needed during cooking. The bacon and its grease contribute significant flavor, so additional seasoning might not be necessary.

Optional Ingredients: Customize the recipe with chopped cilantro, more or less jalapeños for spice, or omit the bacon for a vegetarian version.

Final Touch: Serve these flavorful beans with tortillas for a hearty meal. They can also complement burritos, tacos, or be served over rice.

Nutrition Information:

Nutrition Facts for one serving (assuming about 6 servings):

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I skip the soaking step for the dry pinto beans?

Soaking the beans helps reduce their cooking time and improves their texture.

If you’re short on time, you can use the quick soaking method: cover the beans with water, bring to a boil, let them boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let them soak for about an hour.

However, for the best results and to aid digestion, it’s recommended to soak the beans for at least 1 hour.

Can I use canned pinto beans instead of dry ones?

Yes, you can use canned pinto beans to save time.

Just keep in mind that canned beans are already cooked, so you won’t need to boil them for as long.

You can adjust the cooking time accordingly and add the canned beans towards the end of the cooking process.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the recipe?

Absolutely! You have the option to include diced jalapeños for added spice.

If you prefer milder beans, you can omit the jalapeños or remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat.

Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your personal taste preferences.

Is the bacon necessary for flavor, or can I make it vegetarian?

The bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the beans.

If you want to make the recipe vegetarian, you can skip the bacon and use vegetable broth or water instead of bacon grease for cooking.

You can enhance the flavor by adding some smoked paprika or other seasonings.

How can I serve the pinto beans?

The pinto beans can be served in various ways.

You mentioned eating them with tortillas, which is a great choice.

You can use them as a filling for burritos, tacos, or quesadillas.

They can also be served over rice or as a side dish for grilled meats.

Feel free to get creative with your serving options!

Can I soak the pinto beans for longer than 1 hour?

Yes, you can definitely soak the beans for longer than 1 hour if you prefer.

Soaking them for 6-8 hours or overnight can further reduce their cooking time and improve their texture.

Just make sure to change the soaking water a couple of times if soaking for an extended period.

How do I know when the beans are tender and fully cooked?

The cooking time for beans can vary based on factors like the type of beans, their age, and the heat level.

Generally, pinto beans become tender after cooking for 1.5 to 2 hours.

To check their doneness, take a bean and gently press it between your fingers.

If it easily mashes or breaks apart, they are done.

If they are still firm, continue cooking and check them periodically.

Can I use pre-cooked or canned beans for this recipe?

While using dry pinto beans provides a more traditional and flavorful result, you can use pre-cooked or canned beans to save time.

If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time significantly and add them towards the end of the recipe to prevent overcooking.

What other toppings or garnishes can I add to the beans?

In addition to the optional chopped cilantro, diced onions, roma tomatoes, and jalapeños, you can get creative with toppings.

Consider adding a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the flavor.

Sliced avocado, chopped green onions, and chopped fresh herbs are also great choices.