This hearty dish captures the essence of traditional home cooking with minimal effort. Dried pinto beans are slow-cooked until creamy and tender, absorbing the rich, smoky flavors of chopped cooked ham. The addition of aromatic spices like cumin, oregano, and chili powder, along with fresh onion and garlic, creates a complex and satisfying depth of flavor. The texture is rustic yet smooth, perfect for spooning over rice or serving with crusty bread. It is an ideal meal for busy weeknights when you want a warm, filling dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker method ensures the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting stew that tastes even better the next day.
Pinto Bean With Ham
Description
This hearty dish captures the essence of traditional home cooking with minimal effort. Dried pinto beans are slow-cooked until creamy and tender, absorbing the rich, smoky flavors of chopped cooked ham. The addition of aromatic spices like cumin, oregano, and chili powder, along with fresh onion and garlic, creates a complex and satisfying depth of flavor. The texture is rustic yet smooth, perfect for spooning over rice or serving with crusty bread. It is an ideal meal for busy weeknights when you want a warm, filling dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker method ensures the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting stew that tastes even better the next day.Ingredients
Directions
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Sort through the dried pinto beans, removing any stones or debris, then rinse thoroughly under cold running water.
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Place the rinsed beans into a 5-quart slow cooker.
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Add the water, chopped onion, chopped ham, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin to the slow cooker.
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Stir all ingredients together to combine evenly.
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on the Low setting for 10 hours, stirring occasionally if desired.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 91.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 1.0g2%
- Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
- Cholesterol 5.4mg2%
- Sodium 2135.6mg89%
- Total Carbohydrate 14.5g5%
- Dietary Fiber 5.0g20%
- Sugars 1.1g
- Protein 7.3g15%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For best texture, you can soak the beans overnight in water and drain before cooking, which may reduce the cooking time slightly, though not strictly necessary for dried beans in a slow cooker.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash a portion of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon during the last hour of cooking.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add an extra cup of vegetable broth instead of water for added depth of flavor.
Serve with warm cornbread, crusty French bread, or over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the flavorful broth.
