Pink Beans
Pink Beans offers a hearty, flavorful dish with tender beans, smoky ham or bacon, and a rich tomato paste, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the pinto beans overnight in cold water.
- Next day, add ham hock or bacon, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper to the beans.
- Cook until the beans are tender, about 2 hours, adding more water if they become dry, keeping the beans barely covered with water.
- Once the beans are cooked, stir in the tomato paste and adjust salt if necessary.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked paprika in addition to or instead of salt for seasoning. If you don't have a ham hock, diced smoked sausage can also work well. To speed up cooking, use a pressure cooker, reducing the cooking time significantly. Ensure the beans are fully submerged in water during cooking to prevent them from burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pink beans alongside cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with German Style Pork Steaks for a well-rounded dinner. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, and consider a side of sautéed greens for added nutrition and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pink beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pink Beans contains roughly 268 calories, with 12g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), potassium (52% of the Daily Value), and iron (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 788mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans instead of canned. Just soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Dried beans typically take longer to cook, so ensure they are tender before adding the tomato paste.
What can I substitute for the ham hock?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider using smoked tempeh or liquid smoke for flavor. Alternatively, any smoked sausage can work well to replicate the depth of flavor, or simply omit meat for a lighter dish.
How do I know when the beans are done cooking?
The beans are done cooking when they are tender and easily mashable between your fingers. If they still have a bite, continue cooking and check every 10 minutes until they reach your desired texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).