Pot O' Beans...

ETA: I use dry Pinto Beans

I have recently fallen in love with beans. We've been cooking them a lot, and I have finally found a way to prepare them, that is so yummy. Dry beans are perfect for food storage. They have a long shelf life, and they are super cheap...but I can't stand bland food (and almost every recipe I've tried for beans has been bland), so I have adapted this recipe to give them pizazz.

Beans have to be made in advance. I usually put mine on the stove after morning chores and before I start work for the day.  This way, I can let them simmer all day (and they make my belly growl all day too, because they smell so good).

To start with, you'll need to decide how many beans you'll need (dry Pinto Beans). I always make extra, and we make refried beans with them later. I add the refried beans to homemade burriots or breakfast burritos. I usually cook about 5-6 cups (remember, they will expand though). Wash the beans using a colander. You'll want to make sure to wash the well, because beans are dirty...you won't believe the dirt that comes out of there!

 
After washing, place beans in a large pot and cover with about 1" of water.  Bring to a boil, turn off heat, cover and let sit for 1 hour. This is a fast soak method. Once your beans have soaked for an hour, remove the lid and season. Here is where you add all the flavor. I start by adding 4-5 slices of bacon to the pot. Then, I add a few slices of jalapenos (you could add more or less, but I promise the flavor is better if you add at least a little slice). I usually mince up 2-3 cloves or garlic and throw in the pot, and then season generously with the following: seasoning salt, pepper, garlic salt, cumin, chili powder, dried onions (you can also add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you like it spicy). Now, make sure that the beans are covered with water (some may have been soaked up by beans during the soaking process). I always keep my beans covered with water, so you'll want to keep checking throughout the cooking process. Bring to a boil again, and then turn down to simmer. Replace the lid and simmer on the stove for about 5 hours, checking it every now and then to make sure there is plenty of water and stirring. Sometime after about 2 hours of simmering, I take out the bacon and jalapenos. You don't have to do this, but if you don't want the bacon and jalepenos to fall apart and mix in the beans, then remove them. I don't want bacon chunks in my refried beans, so I remove those, and the kids might not be too happy about the jalapeno chunks.  Towards the end, I usually add a little more seasoning (cause again, I hate bland food).

I usually whip up a batch of cornbread and we simply eat beans and cornbread for dinner. It is honestly so tasty...I never thought that something so simple could taste so good! We like to add a bit of sour cream and cheese to the beans as well. You can even add fresh chopped onions and cilantro as toppings.

Refrigerate left over beans in an air tight container. When you're ready to make refried beans, just add a little olive oil to a skillet and then scoop in some beans. Season with a bit of cumin and chili powder and start mashing them once they start getting bubbly. Turn and mash again. Add milk as needed to keep them smooth, and from drying out. We like to make scrambled eggs and refried beans for breakfast, and add them to a warm torilla with a little bit of mexican blend cheese. It makes the best breakfast burritos, and my kids gobble them up. Good luck...if you happen to make them, let me know what you think!

Comments

[Wendy Peatross]

These wound yummy. I'll have to try them for dinner.

[Misty Castleton]

I LOVE bean soup and will have to try this! I pour my soup over "real" mashed potatoes and eat with a yummy homemade roll. I LOVE them over mashed! Tx for your previous note! ;-)

[Jeanne ~ bermudabluez]

These sound really good....will have to give them a try! Of course, with the photos...makes me want to try them even more!!

[The Lady of the House]

So funny! I've been totally thinking we need to eat more beans (they're good for you! Yay!) So, Thanks so much for the recipe and the tip on refried beans - I thought to make your own refried beans you had to have lard (ick) so I'm totally doing it and I'll let ya know :)

[Dixie]

What kind of beans are they, did I miss that?

[Melissa]

I'm so glad you posted this... I was looking for a good bean recipe and refried beens recipe... I made some a month ago and it wasn't the best! So does the jalapeno make it hot? or just add good flavor?

[SherelleChristensen]

The Jalapeno doesnt really make it hot (unless you use a lot), but adds flavor. Just take it out after a couple hours if youre concerned about the heat :)

Sherelle Christensenwww.sherellechristensen.typepad.com

To: sherellech@msn.com

[Kristy Bialas]

Made these for dinner last night and loved them. After dinner, I put the rest of the beans in the blender and blended them up. Put them in 5 ziploc containers, labeled them and put them in the freezer for future use. Don't have to buy canned refried beans, saved money and used some of my bean food storage. Thanks!

[Robyn Longhurst]

GRACIAS! We bought about 450 lbs. of pinto beans for our food storage and shared some with the workers.
I have never used them....so thanks - I'll try them this Sunday.....VERY FUN!
Now, you just need to share your cornbread recipe to go with 'em.....
P.S. The chicken coop ad on the left-hand side is one I've been looking at for my little birds coming in April.....love the nests on the outside.

[kristi]

mmmm... I so appreciate you sharing your recipes. I will be trying this, and I'll let you know how it goes. :)

[Melissa]

You are so amazing....I have these on my stove right now and I have never smelled anything so delicious. Thank you for the recipe....I love learning how to use my food storage.
Hope you're feeling better.
Melis

[jill tracy]

I just made these yesterday and they were wonderful!!! I am making the breakfast burritos tonight as a dinner--can't wait. Thanks for the recipe and what a great idea for leftovers!!!

[Holly]

Thanks so much for sharing this! I've never cooked dried beans. I've always been too intimidated. These were so easy and super yummy! I also made your pumpkin cookies a lot this last holiday season. They were a big hit too.
Holly

[Becky G]

I tried these tonight for dinner and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed them!
Such comfort food on a rainy day.
I usually use great northern white beans and season with onion and ham chunks.
Those are my favorite - you should try white beans too!