Thegreatestpintobeans Recipes

BEST DARN POT OF BEANS EVER - HOMESTYLE PINTO BEANS W/ A PRESSURE COOKER OPTION

Steps:

• Place your beans in a large bowl, cover with at least 2" of water, 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or kefir.
• Soak beans overnight or about 12 hours.
• Drain and thoroughly rinse the beans.
• Place beans in an Instant Pot insert or other pressure cooker along with the ham hock (if using). Cover with at least 2" of water (more is OK).
• In an Instant Pot, use the 'Manual' button and select 20 minutes. May be called 'pressure cook" on newer models (any high pressure program for 20ish minutes is fine). *Stovetop directions below in 'notes'*
• When the time is up, hit 'cancel'. Wait for the pressure to come down naturally, or do a quick release as preferred. The beans will continue to cook in the next step.
• Without draining the bean broth (add more broth or liquid if it doesn't seem soupy, we will be boiling off more liquid now as they cook some more), mix in the pepper, onion, minced ham.
• Hit 'sauté" and keep hitting until the the 'low' setting is selected. Simmer, uncovered for 1-3 (or more!) hours, or until most of the water is evaporated and the beans are melt-in-your-mouth tender. I use the 'low' sauté feature so it is not a vigorous bubble which will splatter annoyingly!
• Keep careful watch on your water level, and add more liquid if you need to. I like to leave my beans a little bit saucy, but this up to you! You could also choose to mash them up a bit for a refried-style.
• Finally, stir in the tomato paste or sauce, sea salt, and the cumin/chili powder as you like.

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.

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.