How to Cook Pinto Beans | Step by Step EASY Instructions

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil provides similar health benefits with a mild flavor.

pinto beans

💰Cheaper: black beans

Black beans are often less expensive and can be used interchangeably.

paprika

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper can add heat with a similar flavor profile.

parsley

💰Cheaper: cilantro

Cilantro is often cheaper and can provide a fresh flavor.

Sort through the pinto beans, inspecting each bean and removing any rejects.

Rinse the beans under running water using a colander or strainer.

Soak the beans overnight for 8 to 24 hours to degas them.

Rinse the soaked beans again to remove the soaking water and sugars that cause gas.

In a large pot, add the smoked turkey and the soaked pinto beans.

Measure out 13 cups of water and add it to the pot, ensuring it covers the beans by about two inches.

Add 1 tablespoon of oil, 1 tablespoon of salt, half a yellow onion (roughly chopped), and 6 garlic cloves (roughly chopped) to the pot.

Turn the stove to high heat and bring the beans to a boil, then decrease the heat and cover the pot to cook slowly.

After 10 to 15 minutes of boiling, skim off any foam that forms on the surface of the water.

After 30 minutes of cooking, taste the beans and adjust seasoning as needed, then cover and let them cook slowly for up to 3 hours.

After 2 hours, add enough tomato sauce to deepen the color of the pot liquor without altering the flavor significantly.

Add sugar to balance the flavors, and taste the pot liquor to ensure it's to your liking.

After 2.5 hours, check the beans; the meat should have fallen off the bone.

Add green onions if desired and stir gently to avoid smashing the beans.

Plate the pinto beans and serve with cornbread, optionally sprinkling sugar on top.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary