Old-Fashioned Southern Pinto Beans
A Classic Southern Comfort
“This recipe here is the classic, old-fashioned Southern Pinto Beans, yes sir! It’s a simple recipe with not much needed to make this meal outstanding. The few ingredients do all the work. The flavors are salty, smoky, and just a hint of sweetness that bring it all together. It’s comfort food at its finest, and you’ll taste the love in every bite.
This meal was one of our almost weekly staples during the cold months. We made meals like this to feed the family without breaking the bank, and it always hit the spot. Add a little Southern cornbread on the side, and you’ve got a meal that left us full, warm, and comforted every time.”
What You’ll Need for Southern Pinto Beans
Southern pinto beans are a flavorful, hearty dish that brings a rich, smoky flavor and comforting warmth to your table. They’re perfect for a cozy meal and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste and what you have on hand.
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Dried pinto beans (2 cups): Pinto beans are the heart of this dish, known for their creamy texture and earthy flavor. If you can’t find pinto beans, cranberry, anasazi, or navy beans are great alternatives with a similar texture. - •
Smoked meat (ham hocks, smoked turkey, or your choice): The key to that signature smoky flavor. If smoked meat isn’t available, consider using smoked sausage or bacon, or even a vegetarian option like smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. - •
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Onion adds savory depth to the beans, making the flavor profile rich and satisfying as it simmers. - •
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic brings an aromatic kick that perfectly complements the smokiness and richness of the beans. - •
Bay leaf (1 or 2 leaves): Bay leaf adds a subtle earthy undertone. If you don’t have bay leaves, you can substitute with thyme or rosemary, but these herbs will add a different flavor profile. - •
Chicken broth (4 cups): Chicken broth imparts a rich, savory flavor that complements the beans perfectly. If you don’t have chicken broth, water or vegetable broth can work, or you can use bouillon cubes for a stronger, concentrated flavor.
Choosing the Right Meat: Options for Flavorful Beans
To make southern-style pinto beans the true southern way, you need good smoked meat or a nice ham bone. The saltiness combined with the natural sweetness of the beans makes this recipe special. Growing up, we often used smoked ham hocks or a leftover ham bone from holidays or special occasions. The bone always had a little meat left on it, which added even more flavor. Back then, my mom often bought picnic hams because they were affordable. Whether it was smoked or country ham, it always turned out great. If you're using country ham, you might want to omit the salt from the recipe, as it's already quite salty. Nowadays, many people use smoked turkey, which is a perfectly good substitution that still delivers that classic southern flavor.
The Versatility of Pinto Beans in Southern Cooking
Pinto beans are, without a doubt, one of the most versatile beans you can cook with. From hearty dips to savory stews, they adapt to nearly every cuisine, but there's something about the way they’re prepared in Southern cooking that truly stands out. If you're in the mood for a change or can't find pinto beans, there are some fantastic alternatives. While each of these beans offers its own unique flavor, they all share a creamy texture and heartiness that makes them perfect for slow-cooked dishes.
Here are some great substitutes for pinto beans:
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Cranberry beans: Also known as borlotti beans, these have a creamy texture similar to pinto beans, with a slightly sweeter flavor and a striking red-and-white speckled skin.
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Anasazi beans: Often used in Southwestern dishes, these beans are smooth and creamy with a mild, earthy flavor, making them a perfect replacement for pinto beans.
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Navy beans: Small and white, navy beans are another great alternative with a creamy texture and mild flavor that works well in slow-cooked dishes.
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Kidney beans: Larger and more robust in flavor, kidney beans still maintain a creamy texture when cooked, making them a solid choice for hearty dishes.
Be mindful of the age of your beans, though, older beans can stay stubbornly firm even after hours of cooking (trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!). For a more hands-off approach, you can cook these beans in a slow cooker, though the texture might change slightly. Either way, the result is still delicious! You don’t need a lot of ingredients for this dish. The beauty of Southern cooking lies in its simplicity: fewer ingredients, but maximum flavor. This allows the beans to shine and become the heart of the meal. And while Southern cooking holds a special place in my heart, you don’t have to be from the South to enjoy these comforting, flavorful beans.
Note on Soaking Beans
Soaking beans is an essential step for achieving the best texture and ensuring even cooking. Always follow the instructions on the package for soaking times, as different types of beans may vary. There are two main methods for soaking:
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Overnight Soak: This is my preferred method for the best texture. Simply place the dried beans in a large bowl, cover them with plenty of water, and let them soak overnight. This slow soak allows the beans to rehydrate fully, making them cook more evenly and giving them a smoother, creamier texture.
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Quick Soak: If you're in a rush, you can use the quick soak method. Bring the beans and water to a boil for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let them sit, covered, for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking. While this method works in a pinch, the beans may not have quite the same creamy texture as those soaked overnight.
Soaking beans helps to reduce cooking time and can also improve digestibility. Whichever method you choose, always rinse the beans thoroughly after soaking to remove any residual dirt or impurities. Happy cooking!
Southern Pinto Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb Dried Pinto Beans cleaned and soaked overnight
- Smoked Meat Turkey legs, wings, ham hocks, or country ham
- 1 Large Onion diced
- 2 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 Bay Leaf
- Chicken Broth enough to cover the beans and meat
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Smoked Meat: In a large pot, add the smoked meat, chicken broth, bay leaf, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Add Pinto Beans: Add the soaked pinto beans to the pot. Continue cooking until the beans reach your desired texture: about 1 hour for firm beans or about 2 hours for soft beans.
- Season: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Making It Your Own: Substitutions and Pairing Ideas
Remember, you can make this dish your own by using what you have on hand. If you're out of fresh garlic, substitute with garlic powder. No meat? No problem! Just use a nice, flavorful broth. However, for a truly authentic southern experience, try to follow the recipe as closely as possible.
Now, you might be wondering, "What can I eat with this?" As written, this dish can be a meal in itself. For a more traditional pairing, add some cornbread or a biscuit. For a heartier option, serve it with a side of white rice.
This recipe also makes an excellent side dish. Even though it's hearty enough to stand alone, it can be a great addition to a larger southern meal. It pairs well with greens, cabbage, fried chicken, and stewed tomatoes and rice. Invite some friends over for a southern-themed potluck so you don't have to do all the cooking. It's the perfect way to share good food and great company!
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Hey, if you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A quick rating helps others out too, and if you added your own twist, let’s talk about it!