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Mom's New Mexico Indian-Style Pinto Beans

A New Mexican classic of slow-simmered pinto beans with bacon and spices.
Print Recipe
Servings: 5
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried pinto beans
  • 3 quarts water
  • 1/2 pound bacon cut into pieces
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons dried red chile powder

Method
 

  1. Wash the beans thoroughly, removing any stones or bad beans. Soak overnight in cold water, changing the water at least once.
  2. Cook the bacon for a few minutes, add onion and cook until transparent.
  3. Put the beans into a large pot with the entire pan of bacon and onion (do not remove liquid), cover with water and simmer, covered, for four hours or until beans start to soften.
  4. Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chile powder, and cook for 30 minutes.
  5. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve hot.