Simple Pinto Beans From Scratch
This simple pinto beans recipe can be prepared on the stovetop, slow cooker or with an Instant Pot.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry pinto beans
- 1 small onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
- Small ham hock slice of bacon, or pork bone*
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth optional
- Water
Instructions
- Sift through the beans and pick out any small rocks or debris that may be present. Cover the beans with water (at least 3 inches over beans) and let sit on the counter overnight.
- Drain and rinse beans. Transfer beans to a large heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. Add onion, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, and ham hock, if using. Add spices and broth if using and fill the pot with enough water to cover the beans by at least 2 inches.
- Place lid on the pot and heat over medium-high heat. Boil beans for 1 minute, then turn heat to low and simmer 2-4 hours or until beans are tender.
Notes
*omit for vegetarian.
**For slow cooker, follow directions as written, but add beans to your slow cooker instead of a pot on the stove. Cook on high about 3-4 hours or until tender.
**For Instant Pot, add all ingredients to the pot of the Instant Pot. Close and lock lid and seal vent. Cook on high pressure for 25-20 minutes for unsoaked beans or 8-10 minutes for soaked beans. Let pressure release naturally before removing the lid.