Description
This Santa Maria Pinquito Beans recipe is a taste of California with its flavorful blend of beans, bacon, and spices. Perfect as a side dish for any BBQ or as a hearty main course.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beans:
- 2 cups dried pinquito beans (or substitute with small pink or pinto beans)
- 6 cups water
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 lb bacon, diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: Rinse and sort the dried beans. Soak overnight or use the quick soak method. Drain and rinse.
- Cook the Beans: Simmer the soaked beans in fresh water until tender.
- Make the Sauce: Cook bacon until crisp, sauté onion and garlic, then add remaining ingredients.
- Combine and Simmer: Mix sauce with beans and simmer until flavors meld.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Pinquito beans are traditional in Central California and pair perfectly with tri-tip or barbecue.
- Beans can be made a day ahead—flavors deepen as they sit.
- Leftovers freeze well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Californian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
