Pinto Beans And Bacon Recipes

THE SECRET TO PERFECT OLD FASHIONED PINTO BEANS

Steps:

• Rinse the bag of beans well and remove any that look like they are past their prime. If unsure - chuck it.
• Pour the beans into a large bowl and cover with at least 2 inches of water and allow to soak overnight. Alternately, you can boil the beans at a steady boil for about 10 minutes before you begin to cook them. Whether you soak or parboil, pour the water off from this step.
• In a six quart stock pot on medium heat, heat the olive oil and saute the onion and garlic until they smell really good and the pieces become translucent.
• Remove the pot from the heat and add the beans, bacon, salt, chicken broth concentrate, one bay leaf and sugar and enough cool clean water to cover the beans by 2 inches. (If you are sensitive to salt, then you can always decrease the amount)
• Heat the beans on medium until they come to a light boil then reduce the heat to low.
• Stir the beans occasionally and don't let them get to a strong boil. Cook until done. I tell doneness by tasting - you could also spoon some out and smash it in your fingers. If it is smashy- through and through - they are done.

PINTO BEANS AND BACON

Steps:

• In 4-quart saucepan or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons drippings in saucepan.
• Stir in onions and garlic; cook over medium-high heat 5 to 8 minutes or until onion is softened.
• Add remaining ingredients except bacon; mix well. Reduce heat to medium; cook 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Stir in all but 1/4 cup bacon. Crumble remaining bacon and sprinkle on top of beans. Serve immediately.

FRIJOLES CHARROS (MEXICAN PINTO BEANS WITH BACON AND CHILES) RECIPE

Steps:

• Place beans in a large bowl and fill with enough cold water to cover by at least four inches. Add 2 tablespoons (18g) kosher salt and stir to dissolve. Let soak 8 to 12 hours. Drain and rinse.
• In a large Dutch oven, add beans, stock, bay leaves, 2 teaspoons (6g) kosher salt, and epazote (if using). Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to a bare simmer, cover, and cook until beans are just tender, about 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat bacon in a 12-inch stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until fat is rendered and bacon is just starting to brown around the edges, about 5 minutes. Add onion and chiles and cook, stirring, until softened and just starting to brown, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes (see note) and cook, stirring and scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until the liquid is thick and the mixture begins to sizzle, about 3 minutes.
• Remove lid from Dutch oven, add bacon-tomato mixture, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until beans are completely creamy and liquid has thickened into a rich, creamy broth, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt. Discard bay leaves, stir in cilantro, and serve. Beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

PINTO BEANS WITH BACON

Steps:

• Soak the pinto beans in water overnight in a large mixing bowl.
• Drain the beans and set aside.
• In a dutch oven or other large vessel put the oil, onions, bacon, garlic and green chilies and cook over medium or medium-high heat until the onions are transparent and the edges of the onion have very lightly browned. Stir in the cumin powder.
• Add the beans and 6 cups water. Increase heat to high, bring liquid to a boil, decrease heat to medium or medium-low and cook until the beans are very tender, adding more water as needed. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
• I like to serve these beans in ramekins. They make a nice side dish to any Mexican meal.

RED WINE PINTO BEANS WITH SMOKY BACON

Steps:

• In the bottom of a large pot over medium-high heat, brown bacon until golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in onion, celery, carrots, garlic and rosemary. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Drain beans and add to pot along with 1 tablespoon salt. Pour in enough water to just cover the beans (about 7 to 8 cups). Bring liquid to a boil; reduce heat and simmer gently until beans are just tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, in a small pot over medium heat, simmer wine until it is reduced to 2/3 cup, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Remove rosemary branches from bean pot and discard them. Pour wine into beans and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 20 minutes longer to meld flavors and thicken broth to taste. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan, if desired; add more salt and black or red pepper to taste.

PINTO BEANS WITH MEXICAN-STYLE SEASONINGS

Steps:

• Place pinto beans into a large pot and pour in enough water to cover by 2 to 3 inches. Let beans soak overnight.
• Drain beans, return to pot, and pour in fresh water to cover; add diced tomatoes, bacon, onion, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 3 hours.
• Stir cilantro and salt into bean mixture; simmer until beans are soft, about 1 more hour.