Description
This Santa Maria Pinquito Beans Recipe captures the essence of California’s Central Coast with its flavorful blend of beans, bacon, and aromatic spices. Perfect as a side dish for BBQ or a hearty main meal, these beans are a delicious taste of California cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beans:
- 1 pound dried pinquito beans (or substitute with pink or small red beans)
- 6 cups water
For the Seasoning:
- 1/2 pound bacon (chopped)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and Soak the Beans: Rinse the beans and soak overnight or quick soak by boiling for 2 minutes and resting for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
- Cook the Bacon and Aromatics: Cook bacon until crisp, then sauté onion and garlic in bacon drippings.
- Cook the Beans: Add soaked beans and water to pot, simmer until tender. Stir in tomato sauce, spices, and cooked bacon. Simmer until thickened.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and serve warm.
Notes
- Pinquito beans are a traditional choice for Santa Maria-style BBQ.
- For slow cooker preparation, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Pair with tri-tip and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American (California)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
