SoulSatisfying Southern Pinto Beans From Scratch

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for something warm and comforting? Honestly, that's usually me on a Tuesday! This recipe will teach you how to make pinto beans that are perfectly seasoned.

The result is proper Southern comfort food.

Brief Overview

Southern pinto beans recipe is a staple passed down generations. This dish is a simple and filling meal. It’s easy to make, taking about 2- 3 hours. This will serve 6-8 people.

Main Benefits

These Perfect Pinto Beans are packed with protein and fibre. They're also budget-friendly. They're ideal for a cozy night in. The smoky flavour makes them something special!

SoulSatisfying Southern Pinto Beans From Scratch Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:02 Hrs

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) dried pinto beans, rinsed
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) water, plus more for soaking
• 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 pound/450g)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 ½ cups/225g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Optional Garnish: chopped green onions, cilantro

Instructions:

• Soak the Beans: Overnight Soak: Place rinsed beans in a large pot, cover with plenty of water, and soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking. Quick Soak: Place rinsed beans in a large pot, cover with plenty of water, bring to a boil, and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
• Heat vegetable oil in the stockpot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the drained and rinsed beans, water, ham hock, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.
• Simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the beans covered.
• Remove the ham hock and shred the meat, discarding the skin and bone. Return the shredded ham to the pot. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer for another 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350 calories

Fat:10g

Fiber:15g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Southern

Beans In The Crock Pot? Let's Do This.

So, how to make pinto beans really sing? It all starts with good ingredients and a bit of patience. My nan always said, "Slow and steady wins the race," especially with beans.

Crockpot Chili Beans Recipe or a Stockpot?

You can absolutely make this recipe in a slow cooker. That's why some people call it Beans in the Crock Pot .

I prefer a big stockpot though. You get a bit more control, you know?

Gather Your Bits and Bobs.

First, you’ll need dried pinto beans. About a pound should do it. Grab a smoked ham hock as well. It adds all the smokiness that is needed in Ham hock pinto beans.

Also, get some onion, garlic, oregano, and paprika.

How to Make Pinto Beans from Scratch.

The Secret's In the Soaking

I always soak my beans. You can do it overnight, or use the quick soak method. Trust me, it makes a difference. It helps with cooking time and...well, you know, other things.

Slow Cooker Pinto Beans or Stock Pot?

This recipe works with both. Use your slow cooker or a big pot. Just remember low and slow is the key.

We’re after that creamy texture. Salt them at the end. It toughens them up if you add it too early.

This is truly the best pinto bean recipe

It's Ready!

Serve it up with cornbread, and maybe some greens if you are feeling fancy. A dollop of sour cream doesn’t hurt either. Enjoy!.

Right, let's talk about what you'll need to how to make pinto beans that are proper tasty. Forget any faff, we're keeping it real.

We want perfect pinto beans , not a culinary school dissertation, yeah?

Ingredients: The Real Deal

Right, here’s the shopping list for a big ol’ pot of comfort . This recipe will feed about 6-8 hungry mouths. Adjust if you’re feeding the 5000 or just yourself.

Main Ingredients:

• Dried Pinto Beans: 1 pound (450g) - Look for beans that are shiny and not all wrinkly. The fresher, the better.
• Water: 8 cups (1.9 liters) – Plus extra for soaking!
• Smoked Ham Hock: About 1 pound (450g) – Find a good one, mate! The smokier, the better the flavour. Seriously, this is key for Ham hock pinto beans .
• Yellow Onion: 1 large, chopped (about 1 ½ cups/225g) – Just your standard yellow onion. Nothing fancy.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced – Fresh is best. Don’t even think about using that jarred stuff!
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons .

Honestly, finding decent dried beans can be a right pain. Last time I was at Sainsbury's, I swear they were all covered in dust. Gave 'em a good rinse, mind you.

Seasoning Notes: Bangers in your Beans

• Oregano: 1 teaspoon, dried – Adds a nice bit of herby depth.
• Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon – This gives it that smoky oomph .
• Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (optional) – Only if you’re feeling brave! Adds a little kick. Some of the best chili recipes use a dash of this.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon – This brightens things up at the end. Adds that little zing , you know?
• Salt and Pepper: To taste – Don’t be shy! Season generously at the end.

Flavour enhancers? Nah, we’re not doing any of that here. Just simple, good quality spices. If you want Southern pinto beans recipe level flavour, don't skimp on the smoked paprika!

The Gear: No Need for Silver Service

Right, you don’t need a load of fancy gadgets for how to make pinto beans , thank god.

Equipment Needed:

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven – This is where the magic happens. A sturdy pot is key for Beans In The Crock Pot .
• Colander – For draining and rinsing the beans, obviously.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – Get your measurements right, yeah?
• Cutting Board and Knife – Chopping time!

Seriously, if you can't find a stock pot, chuck it all in a large saucepan. It'll be reet. Fancy equipment doesn't make the best pinto bean recipe , believe me.

I remember trying to make these in my uni digs with a dodgy saucepan and a blunt knife. Still tasted amazing, somehow! Shows you don’t need much to knock up easy pinto bean recipe .

You can even make a Crockpot Chili Beans Recipe with this and it will taste banging! The choice is yours! Plus, the best is to make Pinto beans from scratch .

I hope you enjoy them.

Let's Get This Bean Party Started: How to Make Pinto Beans From Scratch!

Honestly, mastering how to make pinto beans is proper adulting. It's cheap, it's cheerful, and you can bung it on everything.

I am going to reveal to you the best pinto bean recipe ! Plus, the smell of ham hock pinto beans simmering away just screams "home", doesn't it? Let's make some Perfect Pinto Beans , shall we?

Prep Like a Pro: Bean Mise en Place

First things first, get your act together. You'll need 1 pound (450g) of dried pinto beans, rinsed. That's key, rinsing! Then, chop 1 large yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic.

It's called mise en place in fancy chef land, but all it means is get your stuff ready. Having all that chopped and ready saves a tonne of time when you get going.

Oh, and find that ham hock – about 1 pound (450g) – that's the star of the show, really, innit?

Beans Ahoy: Step-by-Step Pinto Bean Power

Alright, here we go, dead easy, I promise:

1. Soak those beans! If you're organised, do it overnight in plenty of water. If you’re a bit like me, do the quick soak: boil 'em for 2 minutes , then leave them covered for 1 hour . Drain them after.
2. Sauté your chopped onion in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes , until soft. Then, chuck in the minced garlic for another minute. Lovely smell!
3. Into the pot goes the beans, 8 cups (1.9 liters) of water, that ham hock, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, and maybe a pinch of ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you're feeling brave.
4. Bring it to a boil, then turn it down to a simmer. Cover and let it bubble away for 2- 3 hours , stirring every now and then. Add water if it looks too dry.
5. Take out the ham hock, shred the meat, and chuck it back in. Stir in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 15 minutes .
6. Serve hot and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if you are feeling fancy.

Pinto Bean Pro Tips: Get Chefy

• Don't add salt at the beginning! It makes the beans tough. Wait until they are nearly cooked.
• Want Easy Pinto Bean Recipe ? For Beans In The Crock Pot , simply adapt the above steps, browning the onions first and then letting the slow cooker do its thing for 6- 8 hours on low. You'll have Slow cooker pinto beans for days.
• If you're planning a Crockpot Chili Beans Recipe , just add some tinned tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin to this basic recipe. Bob's your uncle!

This recipe delivers Southern pinto beans recipe that will be great for a Ham hock pinto beans .

So, there you have it. My how to make pinto beans guide. Give it a go, you might just surprise yourself.

Honestly, nothing beats a bowl of Perfect Pinto Beans on a chilly evening. And remember, cooking is all about having a bit of fun, so don't be afraid to experiment!

Alright, so you’ve mastered how to make pinto beans . Congrats! But before you tuck in, let's chat about taking these Perfect Pinto Beans to the next level.

It's all about the little things, right?

Recipe Notes: Making Your Beans Epic

Serving Suggestions: Show Off Your Beans!

Presentation matters. Honestly, a simple bowl of beans can look amazing. Think about plating! A rustic bowl, a sprinkle of fresh coriander, maybe a cheeky swirl of sour cream. Boom.

Crockpot Chili Beans Recipe are fantastic with a side of cornbread, no question. But also consider a fresh green salad to cut through the richness.

Or a crisp slaw. As for drinks? A cold beer works a treat, or maybe some iced tea, Southern style.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Bean Dream Alive

Leftover Southern pinto beans recipe ? You lucky thing!

Pop them in the fridge in an airtight container and they'll be good for 3-4 days. Just make sure they’ve cooled completely first.

Freezing them is also an option! Portion them into freezer bags, press out the air, and they can last up to 3 months.

When you're ready to reheat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and then gently warm them on the hob.

Easy peasy.

Variations: Tweak 'Em Your Way!

This easy pinto bean recipe is begging for you to put your own spin on it.

Want a veggie version? Ditch the ham hock and add a splash of liquid smoke for that Ham Hock Pinto Beans flavour.

Or try chucking in some roasted veg, like peppers and courgettes, for extra flavour and goodness.

For a seasonal swap, try adding butternut squash in the autumn. It adds a lovely sweetness.

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

Pinto beans from scratch are proper good for you. They're packed with protein and fibre. Fibre keeps you feeling full and helps with digestion, you know? Plus, they're a good source of iron.

Just be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you’re using a pre-smoked ham hock. Look for lower sodium options, or adjust the seasoning to suit your needs.

So there you have it. Go forth and conquer! And remember, if you're looking for beans in the crock pot , this recipe works a treat.

Trust me, you'll be whipping up the best pinto bean recipe in no time!