29 lines
1.3 KiB
Markdown
29 lines
1.3 KiB
Markdown
**Classic Slow-Cooked Pinto Beans**
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#### Ingredients:
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- 1 lb pinto beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
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- 6-8 cups water (for cooking)
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- 1 white onion, chopped
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- 4 cloves garlic, minced
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- 2 bay leaves
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- 1 ham hock or 2-3 strips of bacon, chopped
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- Salt and pepper to taste
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- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
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#### Instructions:
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1. **Preparation**: Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
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2. In a large pot, add beans, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and ham hock (or bacon).
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3. Cover the beans with **water** by about an inch.
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4. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours, or until beans are tender. Check occasionally and add more water if needed.
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5. Season with **salt** and **pepper**. Add cilantro if desired just before serving.
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#### Variations:
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1. **Beer-infused Beans**: Add a 12 oz bottle of dark beer to the cooking beans for a richer flavor.
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2. **Vegetarian**: Omit the ham hock/bacon and add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
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3. **Spicy Beans**: Add 1-2 chopped jalapeños or serrano chilies during the cooking process.
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4. **Tomato Beans**: Add a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes or 3 chopped fresh tomatoes for added depth.
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5. **Creamy Texture**: Mash some of the beans towards the end of the cooking process and stir them in for a creamier texture.
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