Rice and Pinto Beans! Hearty meal on a budget!

pinto beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans save time and reduce cooking costs.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is often less expensive.

lime

🥗Healthier: lemon

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Vinegar provides acidity at a lower cost.

cilantro

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: green onions

Green onions add freshness at a lower price.

Rinse 2 lbs of pinto beans and pick through to remove any rocks or hard pieces.

Place the rinsed beans in an 8-quart pot and add 4 liters of water.

Add 1 smoked turkey leg to the pot.

Cut a medium onion in half and add half of it to the pot.

Add 2-3 tablespoons of salted butter to the pot.

Add 2 tablespoons of seasoned salt and 1.5 tablespoons of black pepper to the pot.

Add 3 tablespoons of sugar and the rinsed pinto beans to the pot.

Stir the mixture and bring it to a rapid boil, then cover it partially and stir periodically.

After about 45 minutes, check the beans; they should be cooking down.

At the one-hour mark, remove the smoked turkey leg to strip the meat off the bone.

Chop the cooked turkey meat and return it to the pot, stirring well.

Continue cooking the beans for a total of 2 hours and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes without soaking.

In a separate small pot, add 1 liter of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1-2 tablespoons of salted butter for the rice.

Bring the water to a heavy boil, then add 1 cup of long grain rice.

Wait for the water to return to a rapid boil, then cover slightly and reduce heat to medium.

Cook the rice for 12-13 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Rinse the rice in a colander with hot water to remove excess starch for a flakier texture.

Drain the rice and return it to a bowl, adding another tablespoon of butter to melt into the rice.

Check the pinto beans; they should have thickened and have a rich consistency after cooking for 2.5 hours.

Serve the rice topped with the pinto beans and additional onions if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: