Categories: Main Dishes
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups of dry pinto beans (about 1 lb)
- 3 quarts of water
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 2 Tbsp (or more to taste) pork lard, bacon fat, or olive oil (for vegetarian option)
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt to taste
- Cheddar cheese (optional)
Directions
- Rinse the beans in water and remove any small stones, pieces of dirt, or bad beans.
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2 Cook the beans in water.
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Regular method Put beans into a pot and cover beans with at least 3 inches of water – about 3 quarts for 2 1/2 cups of dry beans. Bring to a boil and then lower heat to simmer, covered, for about 2 1/2 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on the batch of beans you have. The beans are done when they are soft and the skin is just beginning to break open.
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Pressure Cooker method Put beans into a 4 quart pressure cooker with a 15 lb weight. Fill up the pressure cooker with water, up to the line that indicates the capacity for the pot. Cook for 30-35 minutes – until the beans are soft and the skins are barely breaking open. Allow the pressure cooker to cool completely before opening. If there is resistance when attempting to open the cooker, do not open it, allow it to cool further. Follow the directions for your brand of pressure cooker. (See safety tips on using pressure cookers.)