Pinto Beans
Slow-simmered pinto beans cooked with a savory ham hock until incredibly tender and flavorful. This Southern classic is pure comfort food, perfect with cornbread for a hearty, satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 120 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Soak the Beans
- b.Place the rinsed pinto beans in a large pot or bowl.
- c.Cover with cold water by at least 3 inches.
- d.Let them soak for 8 hours or overnight. This ensures even cooking and better texture.
- e.After soaking, drain the beans completely and rinse them well.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Beans until Tender
- b.Add the drained beans, ham hock, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf to the pot.
- c.Stir to combine, ensuring the ham hock is mostly submerged.
- d.Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
- e.Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are completely tender. The cooking time can vary depending on the age of the beans.
- f.Stir every 30 minutes to prevent sticking and check the liquid level, adding more hot water or broth if needed.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Thicken
- b.Once the beans are tender, carefully remove the ham hock and place it on a cutting board to cool slightly.
- c.Shred the meat from the bone, discarding the bone, skin, and excess fat. Return the shredded meat to the pot.
- d.To create a creamy broth, use a potato masher or the back of a large spoon to mash about 1 cup of the beans directly in the pot.
- e.Stir in the salt and black pepper. Let the beans simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
- c.Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- d.Serve hot, traditionally with a side of cornbread and your favorite toppings like chopped onions or hot sauce.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't add salt until the end. Salting beans too early can result in tough skins and longer cooking times.
- 2For a creamier texture, mash more beans. For a brothier result, mash fewer or none at all.
- 3The flavor deepens overnight. These beans are often even better the next day.
- 4If you're short on time, use a quick-soak method: cover beans with water, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour before draining and rinsing.
- 5Don't let the beans boil vigorously. A gentle, low simmer is key to preventing them from splitting and becoming mushy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth. To replicate the smoky flavor, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke with the other spices.
SpicySpicy
Add one or two diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the onions for a spicy kick.
Different MeatDifferent Meat
Instead of a ham hock, you can use a smoked turkey leg, salt pork, or even chopped bacon for a different smoky flavor profile.
Quick VersionQuick Version
For a much faster meal, use 3 (15-ounce) cans of pinto beans, drained and rinsed. Reduce the broth to 2 cups and simmer for only 30 minutes to let the flavors combine.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Pinto beans are packed with dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and can contribute to lowering cholesterol.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
As a great source of protein, these beans are essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Packed with Folate
Folate (Vitamin B9) is crucial for healthy cell growth and function. It's particularly important for red blood cell formation and preventing certain birth defects.
Supports Heart Health
The combination of fiber, potassium, and folate in pinto beans, along with their low-fat nature (before adding meat), contributes to overall cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
A 1.5-cup serving of these pinto beans with ham hock contains approximately 520 calories, though this can vary based on the size and fat content of the ham hock.