POT OF PINTO BEANS RECIPES

Steps:

• Rinse and sort the beans and remove any broken beans or pebbles. Add the beans to a medium size bowl and cover with cold water. Add about 1 tablespoon of baking soda and give it a good stir.
• Soaking the beans is not necessary, but it does help break down the "natural gas making sugars" making them easier to digest .
• Let the beans soak for about 2 - 3 hours. Rinse the beans thoroughly to remove the baking soda and set the beans aside.
• Pull as much of the meat off the ham bone, cover and set the ham aside in the refrigerator.
• Set the Instant pot to saute. Add olive oil, bacon grease and chopped onion.
• Saute the onion for about 3-4 minutes and then add the garlic. Cook the garlic for 1 minute.
• Pour in the chicken broth, water, and pinto beans, mix to combine. Add the bay leaves, pepper and ham bone. Secure lid on instant pot and turn the steam valve to "sealing".
• Use the "pressure cook or manual" button and set to normal pressure and set the timer for 45 minutes.
• When the timer goes off allow the instant pot to release the steam to naturally (this can take 15-20 minutes) for the steam to fully release.
• When the pin drops, open the lid and give the beans a good stir. Remove the bay leaves and ham bone. Drain some of the liquid off the beans (if needed), season with salt and pepper if needed.
• Add the reserved ham back to the pot. Put the lid on top and let the ham heat through for about 5-10 minutes.
• Serve beans with a side of skillet potatoes or fried potatoes and skillet of cornbread.

Steps:

• Pick over the beans for small rocks or debris. Rinse well, then cover with cold water and soak for 6 hours or overnight.
• Transfer beans to a soup pot and add water to cover by 1 inch. Add onion, bay leaf and bacon and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a bare simmer, partly cover pot with lid, and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in salt, paprika and cayenne, then continue simmering until beans are soft and creamy and the broth is well seasoned and lightly thickened, about 1 hour more. Remove bacon and chop roughly, then return to pot. (Dish may be prepared up to 2 days ahead.)