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Best Pinto Bean Recipe

A comforting dish of pinto beans, seasoned to perfection, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 pound dried pinto beans
  • 6 cups water or broth
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 bay leaf

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Colander for rinsing beans
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Start by rinsing the dried pinto beans in a colander to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Soak the beans for at least 4 hours or overnight for even cooking. For a quick soak, boil them in water for 1 hour.
  3. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking briefly to release their flavors.
  5. Add the soaked pinto beans, water or broth, and bay leaf to the pot.
  6. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pot, allowing the beans to simmer for approximately 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender.
  8. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving warm.

Notes

For more depth of flavor, let the beans sit in their broth for a while after cooking before serving. These beans pair well with cornbread, rice, or tacos.