How to Cook Dried Beans to Make Pinto Beans and Ham
Learn how to cook dried beans the traditional Southern way and use this method to make this scrumptiously tender pinto beans and ham recipe.
Prep Time8 hourshrs
Cook Time2 hourshrs
Total Time10 hourshrs
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beans, ham
Servings: 4people
Calories: 127kcal
Ingredients
1packagedried beans
1 tbspsugar
1tbspsalt
1tbsppepper
3tbspvegetable oil
1 packageham hocks, sliced ham, or baconOptional and use as much as you like. Adds a nice flavor to the beans.
Instructions
Sort your beans and place them in a large pot, covering them with water. Let the dried beans soak overnight.
1 package dried beans
Drain the soak water and cover your beans with new water. Add the following according to taste: salt, pepper, sugar, and oil. A good rule of thumb is to start with a tablespoon of each and then taste it several hours later and add more if you think it needs it. Add one of the following for additional seasoning: ham hock, ham bone, or slices of country ham. In a pinch, I have actually seasoned my beans with bacon before.
1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp pepper, 3 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 package ham hocks, sliced ham, or bacon
Bring water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover and reduce heat to low. Stir the beans occasionally to make sure they don’t stick to the bottom of the pot, about every 30 minutes. Gently cook beans over low heat until tender and the consistency that you want, 60 to 90 minutes (may take more time depending on how you like them).