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
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
A one-pot celebration of summer vegetables.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like swordfish steaks with tomatoes and Peruvian-style tofu.
Grilling fish atop a bed of lemon slices is the key to not sticking.
An ex-boyfriend’s mom—who emigrated from Colombia—made the best meat sauce—she would fry sofrito for the base and simply add cooked ground beef, sazón, and jarred tomato sauce. My version is a bit more bougie—it calls for caramelized tomato paste and white wine—but the result is just as good.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
With a crisp crust, garlicky mayo, and a juicy slice of tomato.