Evana's Pinto Beans

This recipe for a big pot of pinto beans seasoned with tomato, garlic, and lots of cilantro comes from deep in the heart of Texas.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 3 hr
• Total Time: 3 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 305 Calories

Ingredients

• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 8 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 bunches cilantro, chopped
• 2 pounds dried pinto beans
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Pick over beans and wash in cold water 4 times. Place beans into a large pot, pour in enough fresh water to cover by 2 inches, and soak overnight.

Step 2

Bring beans and soaking water to a boil; stir in garlic and salt. Reduce heat to low and simmer beans until they begin to soften, 2 to 3 hours, stirring often. If beans start to dry out, add more boiling water.

Step 3

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir tomatoes and onion in the hot oil until onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir cilantro, 5 to 6 large spoonfuls of beans, and cooking liquid into tomato mixture. Mash beans and stir tomato mixture back into simmering beans. Continue simmering until flavors are blended, about 1 hour more.