Pinto beans have unusual red-brown markings.
Pinto beans are popular in chili and refried beans recipes. In their dried form they are white with red-brown markings and look painted, which is the meaning of the Spanish word "pinto." Once pinto beans are cooked, however, their markings disappear and they turn pink in color. Beans are a good source of protein, and one that many use in place of meat. There are a wide variety of recipes available using pinto beans, and they can be seasoned accordingly.
Instructions
Prepare the beans
1. Measure 1 cup of beans and pour them out on a clean countertop.
2. Sort the beans, discarding any that don't have their shell, or are dry and withered.
3. Measure the water, using three times the amount of beans that you used. For 1 cup beans, you'll use 3 cups water.
4. Pour the beans into a container and cover the top of it. Let the beans soak from six to eight hours or overnight.
5. Drain the beans using a colander, and rinse them thoroughly.
Cook the beans and add spices
6. Pour 3 cups of water for each cup of beans into a cooking pot. Water should be about 2 inches above the beans.
7. Boil the water over medium-high heat, quickly reducing to a simmer once boiling is achieved. Partially cover the pot.
8. Cook for about one to one-and-a-half hours, until the beans are tender. Skim off any foam that develops during cooking.
9. Add seasonings, but not until after the beans are thoroughly cooked. The beans will take longer to cook and be tougher if you add seasonings earlier. The Vegan Coach website recommends the following spices to complement pinto beans: brown sugar, cilantro, garlic, onions, oregano and chili powder. Individual recipes will call for specific spices accordingly.
Tags: beans into, cups water, pinto beans, red-brown markings
