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Mrs. Crenshaw's Pinto Beans
 
recipe image
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 780 Minutes
Ready In: 810 Minutes
Servings: 4
I spent years trying to replicate my mother's pinto beans, but there was always something missing. I finally came across this recipe in a 1955 Texas cookbook and it's got to be where mom (a Texan) got the recipe. Oh, the missing ingredient, maple syrup! Time required includes soaking time for beans.
Ingredients:
6 cups water
1 tablespoon vegetable bouillon granules
1/2 lb ham hocks or 1/2 lb leftover ham, - 2 inch cubes
2 cups pinto beans (i presoak the beans)
1 medium onion, diced
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder (more if you prefer spicy)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 diced jalapeno pepper (adjust to taste) (optional)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion (for garnish)
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Bring water and bouillon to boil.
2. Add beans, garlic, chili powder, sugar, maple syrup and salt.
3. Cover and simmer for 3 hours.
4. Add onion and ham.
5. Simmer additional 1 hour or until tender.
6. Add water as needed (in 1/2 cup increments).
7. When done, the broth should thicken and barely cover the beans.
8. Serve with garnishes and hot cornbread.
By RecipeOfHealth.com