Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor-packed Mexican cantina with these mouthwatering Santa Maria Pinto Beans! This classic recipe isn't just a side dish - it's a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of traditional Mexican cuisine. Whether you're a bean-loving foodie or a curious home cook, these creamy, perfectly seasoned pinto beans will become your new obsession, guaranteed to impress family and friends with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups of pinto beans
- 6 cups of water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Sort and rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly, removing any small stones or damaged beans.
- Place the beans in a large pot and cover with 6 cups of cold water. Allow the beans to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again with fresh water to remove any accumulated starches.
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the soaked pinto beans to the pot, along with 6 cups of fresh water.
- Sprinkle cumin and salt over the beans, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Bring the beans to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot partially.
- Simmer the beans gently for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally and adding more water if needed to keep the beans covered.
- Check the beans for tenderness by pressing a bean against the side of the pot. They should be soft and creamy without being mushy.
- Once beans are fully cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if required.
- Remove from heat and let the beans rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Soaking is crucial: Always soak your beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. This step helps break down complex sugars that can cause digestive discomfort.
- Fresh water matters: Always drain the soaking water and use fresh water when cooking to minimize gas-producing compounds and ensure a cleaner flavor.
- Low and slow is the way to go: Simmer the beans gently to maintain their creamy texture and prevent them from becoming mushy or falling apart.
- Season carefully: Add salt towards the end of cooking to prevent the beans from becoming tough. Cumin adds an authentic Mexican flavor, but feel free to experiment with additional spices.
- Don't rush the process: Patience is key with bean cooking. Allow the full 2 hours of simmering to develop rich, deep flavors and achieve the perfect tender texture.
- Storage tip: These beans taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a large batch and store them in the refrigerator for quick, delicious meals throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
