Side Dish: United States – Santa Maria–Style Pinquito Beans

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 1 hr 30 min

Total 1 hr 45 min

Ingredients

1 lb / 450 g pinquito beans (or small pink/pinto beans), soaked overnight and drained
4 slices bacon or 4 oz / 115 g salt pork, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups (960 ml) beef or chicken stock (or water)
1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook bacon until browned; remove most fat leaving about 1 tbsp and sauté onion until translucent.
2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, then stir in tomato paste if using.
3. Add soaked beans, stock, oregano, and bay leaf; bring to a simmer.
4. Cook gently, partially covered, 1–1½ hours until beans are tender and sauce is thickened, adding water if needed.
5. Season with salt and pepper, remove bay leaf, stir and serve warm alongside tri-tip.