santa maria pinquito beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best santa maria pinquito beans recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes: Santa Maria Pinquito Beans. This traditional Spanish dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m thrilled to pass it down to you.

Born in the Santa Maria Valley of California, this recipe is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the region. The Pinquito beans are cooked in a flavorful broth with onions, garlic, and tomatoes, resulting in a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Growing up, my mother would often cook Pinquito Beans for our family gatherings, and the smell of the simmering beans would fill our home with warmth and love. It’s a dish that brings people together, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how it can evoke memories and create new ones.

The simplicity of this recipe belies its complexity, as the combination of flavors and textures is nothing short of magical. But what truly sets Pinquito Beans apart is its versatility.

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side dish, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – this recipe is packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing Pinquito Beans from scratch. From selecting the right type of beans to seasoning them just right, I’ll cover all the essential techniques you need to become a master Pinquito Bean cook.

Santa Maria Pinquito Beans

4.9 from 869 votes

Santa Maria pinquito beans are a traditional side dish from California’s central coast, flavored with bacon, onions, and garlic. They are slow cooked until they thicken into a rich, creamy stew.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb dried pinquito beans
2 cups water
2 slices bacon
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the dried pinquito beans under cold water.
2Place them in a large pot and cover with 2 cups of water.
3Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
4Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low.
5Simmer the beans for 1 hour, or until they begin to soften.
6Add water as needed to keep the beans submerged.
7While the beans are cooking, dice the bacon using a cutting board and knife.
8Add the diced bacon to a large skillet over medium heat.
9Cook until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered, about 5-7 minutes.
10Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon.
11Cook until the onions are translucent and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
12Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
13Stir in the salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
14Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
15Add the bacon and onion mixture to the pot with the beans.
16Stir well to combine.
17Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer for an additional 1 hour, or until the beans are tender and the mixture has thickened into a creamy stew.
18Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
19Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
20Serve the pinquito beans hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot with lid
Spoon
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 15g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: Soak the beans overnight for easier digestion. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more red pepper flakes for heat or additional spices for flavor.

Pinquito Beans are a staple in our household because they’re easy to make and always impressive.

Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or just want a comforting meal for yourself, they’re sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – cooked beans will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Maria Pinquito Beans

Q: What type of beans are used in Pinquito Beans?

Pinquito Beans are a type of small red bean that’s native to Spain. They’re also known as ‘Spanish red beans’ or ‘small red kidney beans.’

Q: How do I prepare the beans from scratch?

To prepare the beans from scratch, you’ll need to sort through them by hand to remove any debris or impurities. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water before soaking them overnight in water. Drain and rinse them again before cooking.

Q: What’s the significance of using olive oil in Pinquito Beans?

Olive oil is an essential component in Pinquito Beans because it adds depth and richness to the dish. You can also use other neutral-tasting oils if you prefer.

Q: Can I make Pinquito Beans in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Pinquito Beans ahead of time by cooking them partially and then refrigerating or freezing them for later use.

Q: Are there any variations on this recipe?

While traditional Pinquito Beans are made with pork or chorizo, you can easily substitute these ingredients with vegetarian alternatives like portobello mushrooms or eggplant.

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