Skip to main content

Baja's Best Pinto Beans

3.8

(30)

Image may contain Plant Bowl Vegetable Food and Bean

These can be made one day before serving.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup chopped white onion
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large jalapeño chili with seeds, cut lengthwise in half
1 tablespoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
9 1/2 cups water
1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed
2 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, chili, oregano, and cumin; sauté 1 minute. Add 9 1/2 cups water and beans. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 1 hour.

    Step 2

    Discard chili. Add sugar and salt to bean mixture. Simmer uncovered over medium heat until beans are tender and almost all liquid has evaporated, about 1 hour longer. Remove from heat. Using potato masher, coarsely mash most of beans. Season with additional salt, if desired. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Refrigerate until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Rewarm in nonstick saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently.)

Read More
Enchiladas meet pumpkin in this cozy weeknight dinner.
This picadillo-inspired topping would taste good on a shoe.
A fancy-feeling dish that comes together in 20 minutes.
Crisp, buttery shell. Soft, flaky center. Cry!
This skillet dinner is a delightful way to use up a jug of cider.
Known as okayu, this Japanese comfort food will warm you from the inside out.
A sheet-pan wonder with lots of crispy rice.
Canned purée delivers rich body and deep flavor, without the nonna-level cook time.