Pinto beans and ham make a delicious and hearty dish, often enjoyed as a comfort food. Here’s a simple way to prepare it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried pinto beans
- 1 lb ham (ham hock, ham bone, or diced ham)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6-8 cups of water or chicken broth (depending on how soupy you want it)
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons cumin or chili powder for added flavor
Instructions:
- Prepare the beans: Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly, removing any stones or debris. If you have time, soak them in water for 6-8 hours or overnight. If you’re short on time, you can skip the soaking step.
- Cook the ham: In a large pot, add the ham (ham hock, bone, or diced ham). Add enough water to cover the ham, and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes to get the ham’s flavor into the broth.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a little oil or butter until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. You can also add optional spices like cumin or chili powder during this step for extra flavor.
- Combine ingredients: After the ham has simmered, add the soaked (or unsoaked) pinto beans to the pot with the ham. Add the sautéed onions and garlic, bay leaf, and additional water or chicken broth to cover the beans. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the beans cook for 1.5-2 hours (or longer if needed), until the beans are soft and tender. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level, adding more water if necessary.
- Season: Once the beans are tender, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the ham bone or hock if you used one, and shred the meat, then return it to the pot.
- Serve: Serve the beans hot, with cornbread or rice on the side, if desired.
Enjoy your pinto beans and ham as a comforting meal!
