Southern Pinto Beans
Experience the comforting flavors of the South with this hearty Southern Pinto Beans recipe, a true classic steeped in rich, smoky goodness. Made with tender, slow-simmered dried pinto beans, savory bacon, aromatic garlic, and a blend of warm spices like smoked paprika and cumin, this dish is the epitome of soul food. Optional ham hock adds depth to the broth, while a garnish of fresh green onions provides the perfect finishing touch. Ideal for cozy dinners or family gatherings, this recipe pairs beautifully with cornbread for an authentic Southern meal. With simple ingredients and an effortless cooking process, these slow-cooked beans are brimming with homemade flavor and tradition, making them a must-try for your next comfort food feast.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried pinto beans
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 large yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ham hock (optional)
- 2 green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the pinto beans thoroughly under cold water and remove any debris or broken beans.
Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with water, allowing them to soak overnight (8-12 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Add them to the pot with the bacon grease and sauté over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the soaked beans to the pot along with the chicken broth and water. Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
Optional: Place the ham hock into the pot for added smoky flavor.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let the beans cook for about 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
After 3 hours, check the beans for tenderness. If they are still firm, continue to simmer until soft.
Once the beans are tender, remove the ham hock (if used) and shred any meat from the bone back into the pot. Crumble the reserved bacon and stir it back into the beans.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions if desired, and pair with cornbread for a traditional Southern meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
960 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.5 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 6561 mg | 285% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 145.1 g | 53% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 45.3 g | 162% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.2 g | ||
| Protein | 69.8 g | 140% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 437 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 15.8 mg | 88% | |
| Potassium | 3495 mg | 74% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
