Get ready to transport your kitchen to the heart of the Southern United States with this mouthwatering Pinto Beans and Sausage recipe that promises to deliver pure, soul-warming comfort in every single bite! Imagine a dish so rich, so flavorful, that it'll have your family and friends begging for seconds before they've even finished their first serving. This isn't just a meal - it's a culinary journey through traditional Southern cooking that combines tender, creamy beans with smoky, perfectly seasoned sausage in a symphony of flavors that will make your dinner table the most exciting place to be.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pinto beans
- 1 lb smoked sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Sort and rinse the pinto beans thoroughly, removing any small stones or damaged beans. Place beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water, allowing them to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- Drain the soaked beans and rinse them under fresh cold water. Set aside.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, slice the smoked sausage into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Heat the pot over medium heat and lightly brown the sausage slices, rendering some of their fat and creating a rich base flavor. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions until translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Return the sausage to the pot and add the soaked beans, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer gently for approximately
- 5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Check bean tenderness periodically. Add more chicken broth if the liquid reduces too much during cooking.
- The beans are done when they are soft and creamy, and the sausage is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Let the beans rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions. Cornbread makes an excellent accompaniment.
Tips
- Soaking is crucial: Always soak your beans overnight to ensure even cooking and reduce cooking time.
- Don't rush the browning: Take time to properly brown the sausage to develop deep, rich flavor foundations.
- Low and slow is the key: Simmer the beans gently to keep them tender and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Keep an eye on liquid levels: Add more chicken broth if the mixture looks too dry during cooking.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Optional enhancement: Consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Storage tip: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
