Pinto Beans(Those Famous Beans)
A hearty and flavorful pinto bean stew with ham, peppers, garlic, and spices, perfect for family gatherings or comforting meals with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the dried pintos thoroughly.
- Double the beans and place in a large roaster with water to cover, using an 8-pound size roaster.
- Bring the water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
- Add the ham shanks, caster oil, chopped onions, green peppers, blended garlic and jalapeno peppers, cumin, m.s.g., sugar, and salt.
- Keep the water level at the same height as the beans during cooking.
- Simmer until the beans are tender and flavors meld together, making approximately 8 plus gallons of stew.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked ham hocks instead of shanks. You can substitute the elephant garlic with regular garlic if needed, though the flavor will be milder. To cut down on cooking time, soak the dried beans overnight before cooking. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar before serving can brighten the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these famous beans in large bowls with crusty bread or cornbread on the side for dipping. They pair wonderfully with dishes like Pork Chops And Scalloped Potato Casserole or can be enjoyed as a hearty standalone meal. For added freshness, consider garnishing with chopped cilantro or green onions.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water if needed to reach desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pinto Beans(Those Famous Beans) contains roughly 2929 calories, with 107g protein, 376g carbohydrates, and 156g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (245% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (214% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans to save time. Just reduce the cooking time significantly and add them during the last 30 minutes of simmering, along with the other ingredients, to meld the flavors without overcooking the beans.
What if I don't have m.s.g.?
If you don't have m.s.g., you can substitute it with a combination of other seasonings such as salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, or simply omit it entirely. The dish will still be flavorful with the other ingredients.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, omit the ham shanks and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add mushrooms or smoked paprika for a depth of flavor that mimics the smokiness typically provided by the meat.
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).