Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Recipes

PINTOS A LA PAPA

Steps:

• Sort through the beans and remove any stones. To soak the beans, put them in a large bowl, cover them with cold water and allow them to soak, covered, overnight. Or use the quick-soak method below.
• Quick-soak method: Put the beans in a colander and rinse under water. Put the beans in a large pot and add enough water to cover the beans by at least 3 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 4 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the beans stand for 1 hour.
• Drain and rinse the soaked beans and transfer them to a large pot. Add enough water to cover the beans by at least 3 inches. Add the salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic, jalapeno, bay leaf and onion to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to bring it to a simmer. Cover and cook until the beans are tender, 2 to 3 1/2 hours.

CAMPFIRE BEANS

Steps:

• Rinse the beans under cold water, sorting out any rocks or particles. Place the beans in a stockpot with the ham hock and cover with water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and simmer for 2 hours, checking occasionally to make sure the water level is fine. Add more water as needed.
• Throw in the garlic, red bell peppers and onions. Cover and continue cooking for another hour or two, remembering to check the water level.
• Add the chili powder, black pepper, and salt (or more to taste). Then cover and cook until the beans are lovely and tender, another 20 to 30 minutes. The liquid should be very thick and stew-like, not thin like a soup.
• Serve with cornbread as a meal, or spoon on top of nachos, tacos, etc.

PIONEER WOMAN PINTO BEANS

Steps:

• Rinse beans in cool water; pour into a pot, cover with water by 2 to 3 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer 2 hours, or until beans are tender. Add water to pot as needed. Beans should have a thick broth. Toward end of cooking time, add salt and pepper and season to taste. Don't over-salt. For a variety try adding chili powder, garlic or Tabasco. Serve in a bowl with cornbread. Can serve with small bowls of grated cheese, chopped onions, chopped fresh jalapenos, sour cream, and/or cilantro.

BEAN TRIO

Steps:

• For the best basic beans: Cover the beans with cold water to cover by 1 inch, and soak at least 3 hours or up to overnight.
• Rinse the beans and place them in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Top with the garlic, bacon, bay leaves, onion, salt and pepper. Add enough water to cover by 1 inch, then mix and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, then cover the pot halfway (meaning, don't place the lid tightly on the pot) and cook until the liquid is thick and the beans are tender, 3 to 3 1/2 hours. (Continue to simmer if it needs more time.)
• Serve topped with grated Cheddar and diced red onion.
• For the Tex-Mex beans: Follow the basic beans recipe above, adding the jalapenos, chili powder and hot sauce with the bacon and other ingredients. Simmer the beans according to the directions above. Serve topped with a dollop each of guacamole, salsa and sour cream.
• For the Cajun beans: Follow the basic beans recipe above, adding the andouille sausage, paprika, chile flakes and thyme with the bacon and other ingredients. Simmer the beans according to the directions above. Serve topped with sliced green onions.

PERFECT PINTO BEANS

Steps:

• Put the beans in a large bowl, cover with cold water and let soak overnight.
• Drain and rinse the beans, then put them in a large pot. Cover the beans with water and add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, bacon, garlic, bay leaves, onion, bell pepper and some salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cook until the beans are tender, 2 to 3 1/2 hours.