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8) Warm Pinto Beans with Bacon

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb dried pinto beans rinsed
  • 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro optional

Method
 

  1. Soak beans overnight or use quick-soak: cover with water, bring to boil 2 minutes, let sit 1 hour, then drain.
  2. Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp; remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. Add onion to bacon fat and cook until soft, about 5 minutes; stir in garlic and cumin for 30 seconds.
  4. Add beans, water or broth, and bring to a simmer; reduce heat and cook gently until beans are tender, 1 to 1ΒΌ hours.
  5. Stir in salt, pepper, and half the bacon; mash a few beans against the side for creaminess, simmer 5 more minutes.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning; top with remaining bacon and cilantro before serving.