Frijoles Pintos (Pinto Beans)

Frijoles Pintos, or pinto beans, are a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for their rich flavor and versatility. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or the main star, these beans are both nutritious and delicious. This recipe guides you through the process of preparing pinto beans with an optional twist for extra flavor, using commonly found ingredients and simple cooking techniques.

Ingredients:

🫘 1 lb of pinto beans
🧄 4-5 cloves of garlic
🧅 1/4 of an onion
🌶 1 serrano pepper (optional for extra flavor)
🧂 1 tablespoon of salt
💧 8 cups of water (more if needed)

Instructions:

Cleaning the Beans:

• Start by triple-cleaning the pinto beans. Remove any broken beans or stones.
• Divide the beans into two portions. One portion will be soaked overnight, and the other will be cooked without soaking.

Soaking (Optional):

• For the soaking portion, rinse the beans thoroughly until the water runs clear.
• Submerge the beans in water and let them soak overnight. By morning, the beans will have nearly doubled in size.

Cooking the Beans:

• Drain the soaked beans and fill with fresh water, ensuring they are fully submerged.
• For both soaked and unsoaked beans, add them to a large pot.
• Add the garlic cloves, onion, and optionally, the serrano pepper for added flavor.
• Set the pot on medium heat and bring it to a simmer.
• While cooking, monitor the water level and add more water as needed to keep the beans submerged.

Seasoning:

• Add salt only when the beans are halfway cooked. This ensures the beans soften properly while absorbing the seasoning.

Final Steps:

• Let the beans simmer until they are fully cooked and tender.
• The soaked and unsoaked beans should finish at around the same time.
• Once cooked, remove the serrano pepper if used.

Storing the Beans:

• Let the beans cool before storing.
• Place the beans into zip bags or deli containers.
• Freeze some for long-term storage, or keep others in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Total Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours
Equipment: Large pot or clay pot for cooking, mixing spoon, storage bags or containers
Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings

Cooking Tips:

• Using a clay pot can enhance the flavor of the beans.
• Ensure consistent water levels while cooking to prevent beans from drying out.
• Adjust the spice level by including or omitting the serrano pepper.

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Frijoles Pintos (Pinto Beans)