Savory Tex-Mex Pinto Bean Delight
Experience the rich flavors of the Southwest with these Savory Tex-Mex Pinto Beans! This hearty dish features perfectly cooked pinto beans, enhanced with the robust tastes of salt pork, fresh jalapeños, and aromatic garlic. A delightful mix of spices like chili powder and cumin rounds out the dish, while fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness. Ideal for gatherings, these beans freeze beautifully, making them a wonderful make-ahead meal. Whether served as a side or star of the show, they’ll leave your guests asking for the recipe!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry pinto beans
2 lbs (soaked overnight and drained)
salt pork
1/2 lb (cut into small pieces)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
fresh jalapeno peppers
3-5 (seeded and minced (adjust for desired heat))
garlic cloves
10 (minced)
medium onions
2 (chopped finely)
salt
1 tablespoon (or to taste)
chili powder
3 tablespoons (for seasoning)
cumin
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
dried oregano
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the dry pinto beans overnight in a large bowl of water. This helps to soften them for cooking.
2
The next day, drain the beans and rinse them under cold water.
3
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the soaked pinto beans, salt pork, chopped onions, minced garlic, chopped jalapeños, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt.
4
Add enough water to cover the ingredients by about 1 inch. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil over medium-high heat.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the beans simmer gently for several hours, or until they are tender. Stir occasionally, checking that there is enough liquid. Add more water if necessary to keep the beans covered.
6
Alternatively, you can divide the mixture between two crockpots. Cook on high for 6-7 hours or on low throughout the day. Keep in mind that the resulting juices may be thinner compared to the stovetop method.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Tex-Mex Pinto Bean Delight?
It is a hearty Southwestern-inspired dish featuring pinto beans, salt pork, and aromatic spices.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include 2 lbs of dry pinto beans, salt pork, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, onions, and various Tex-Mex spices.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 12 servings.
Do I need to soak the pinto beans?
Yes, the dry pinto beans should be soaked overnight in a large bowl of water to soften them.
How long should the beans be soaked?
The beans should be soaked overnight before cooking.
What should I do after soaking the beans?
The next day, you should drain the beans and rinse them under cold water before starting the cooking process.
What type of meat is used for flavoring?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of salt pork cut into small pieces.
Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker or crockpot?
Yes, you can divide the mixture between two crockpots and cook on high for 6-7 hours or on low throughout the day.
How long does it take to cook the beans on the stovetop?
After reaching a boil, the beans should simmer for several hours until they are tender.
How many jalapeños are required?
The recipe suggests using 3 to 5 fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced.
Is the Savory Tex-Mex Pinto Bean Delight spicy?
The heat level is adjustable based on the number of jalapeños used and whether the seeds are removed.
How much garlic is used in the dish?
The recipe calls for 10 minced garlic cloves.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 3 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of cumin, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, and salt.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, these beans freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead meal.
How should the salt pork be prepared?
The salt pork should be cut into small pieces before being added to the pot.
Should the jalapeños be seeded?
Yes, the instructions recommend seeding and mincing the jalapeños.
Is this dish a side dish or a main course?
It can be served as either a hearty side dish or as the star of the show.
How much water is added for stovetop cooking?
Add enough water to cover the ingredients by about 1 inch.
Should I stir the beans while they simmer?
Yes, you should stir occasionally and check the liquid levels.
What if the liquid gets too low during cooking?
You should add more water if necessary to keep the beans covered while they simmer.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 2 medium onions, chopped finely.
Does crockpot cooking change the consistency?
Crockpot cooking may result in juices that are thinner compared to the stovetop method.
What category of food is this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Beans.
Can I use fresh cilantro?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to soak the dry pinto beans overnight in a large bowl of water.
At what heat setting should the beans be boiled?
The mixture should be brought to a rapid boil over medium-high heat.
What is the recommended simmer setting?
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot to simmer gently.
Is this a good recipe for large gatherings?
Yes, it is ideal for gatherings and serves up to 12 people.
What kind of oregano is used?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of dried oregano.
When should I adjust the seasoning?
You should taste and adjust the seasoning if needed just before serving.