And Now for the Bacon-Simmered Pinto Beans!
Bacon-Simmered Pinto Beans accompanied the Chile-Braised Pork Shoulder Tacos and the salsas and pickled onions. I wasn't certain that these were going to be beans that I would make again. But, think twice, Kate, these beans are worthy of a command performance! In fact, I froze what remained and plan to pull them out of the freezer in a week or two.
1 1/2 lb dried pinto beans (4 cups), pick and rinse
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
4 slices thick-cut bacon, coarsely chopped (I used six slices.)
1 onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 jalapenos, seeded, minced, divided
Kosher salt
1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (4 oz. for garnish) (Available at most markets or Latin markets, feta may be substituted if you are unable to locate Cotija.)
Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Pickled Onions (see recipe)
Place beans in a large pot. Add enough water to cover by 4 inches. Let soak overnight. Drain beans. (I elected to bring the beans to a boil, boil about 3 minutes, cover and let stand for an hour and a half.)
Heat 1 Tbsp oil in same large heavy pot over medium heat. Add bacon to pot and cook until crisp, stirring occasionally. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 2 Tbsp drippings from pot. Add onion, garlic, and 1 minced jalapeno and cook, stirring often, until soft, about 10 minutes.
Add drained beans to pot. Pour in enough water to cover beans by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally and adding more water by 1/2-cupfuls if dry, until beans are tender, about 2 hours. Stir in remaining jalapeno. Season to taste with salt.
Working Ahead: The beans can be made 2 days in advance. Let cool slightly. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Rewarm before serving, adding additional water as needed if dry. (I prefer to make beans ahead. I think the flavors then have a chance to meld and they taste better.)
Transfer beans to a large bowl. Sprinkle with cheese and cilantro and serve with pickled onions.
PRINTABLE RECIPE
Bacon-Simmered Pinto Beans
adapted from Bon Appetit, May 2011
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
4 slices thick-cut bacon, coarsely chopped (I used six slices.)
1 onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 jalapenos, seeded, minced, divided
Kosher salt
1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (4 oz. for garnish) (Available at most markets or Latin markets, feta may be substituted if you are unable to locate Cotija.)
Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Pickled Onions (see recipe)
Place beans in a large pot. Add enough water to cover by 4 inches. Let soak overnight. Drain beans. (I elected to bring the beans to a boil, boil about 3 minutes, cover and let stand for an hour and a half.)
Heat 1 Tbsp oil in same large heavy pot over medium heat. Add bacon to pot and cook until crisp, stirring occasionally. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 2 Tbsp drippings from pot. Add onion, garlic, and 1 minced jalapeno and cook, stirring often, until soft, about 10 minutes.
Add drained beans to pot. Pour in enough water to cover beans by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally and adding more water by 1/2-cupfuls if dry, until beans are tender, about 2 hours. Stir in remaining jalapeno. Season to taste with salt.
Working Ahead: The beans can be made 2 days in advance. Let cool slightly. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Rewarm before serving, adding additional water as needed if dry. (I prefer to make beans ahead. I think the flavors then have a chance to meld and they taste better.)
Transfer beans to a large bowl. Sprinkle with cheese and cilantro and serve with pickled onions.
PRINTABLE RECIPE
These were a great addition to the fiesta!
My eyebrows did shoot up when I saw bacon and pintos! Love beans:@)
ReplyDeletePinto beans must be cooked with smoked pork to be good - in my humble opinion of course :-). We are lucky enough to be within a few miles of what is becoming a premier supplier of country ham and bacon and they are treated pretty much the same - salt cured and smoked or not. We always buy whole ham and use the hocks in beans and when we run out, they practically give them away.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have ever cooked pinto beans. But I assume they are similar to all beans....this looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteLove this recipe ( I can tell just be reading it)... will have to make this for the next cookout!
ReplyDeleteI've been looking for a new bean recipe and now I've found it! Love the sound of this one, Kate, and can imagine it will be great barbecue this summer. I think I should do a trial run immediately.
ReplyDeleteoh man, what I would do to a bowl of these.
ReplyDelete