Imagine a dish that tells a story of hard work, resilience, and soul-warming comfort - welcome to the Coal Miner Pinto Navy Beans! Born from the rugged kitchens of coal mining communities, this recipe is more than just a meal; it's a tribute to the laborers who fueled America's industrial heart. With a rich, creamy texture and deep, satisfying flavors, these beans will transport you to a time of simple, nourishing home cooking that could revive even the most exhausted worker after a long day in the mines.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups pinto beans
- 1 cup navy beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Sort and rinse the pinto and navy beans thoroughly, removing any small stones or damaged beans. Place beans in a large colander and rinse under cold running water.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the sorted and rinsed beans with 4 cups of water. Allow beans to soak overnight at room temperature, or use a quick-soak method by bringing to a boil for 2 minutes, then removing from heat and letting sit covered for 1 hour.
- After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again to remove any excess starch and potential gas-causing compounds.
- Return the beans to the pot and add fresh water, ensuring beans are covered by about 1-2 inches of liquid.
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Add these to the pot with the beans.
- Season the beans with salt and black pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Bring the beans to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot partially with a lid.
- Simmer the beans slowly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for approximately 2 hours or until beans are tender and creamy.
- Check the liquid level periodically, adding more hot water if the beans become too dry during cooking.
- Once beans are soft and have reached a creamy consistency, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove from heat and let the beans rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot as a hearty side dish or main course, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions.
Tips
- Soaking is Key: Always soak your beans overnight or use the quick-soak method to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Fresh Water Matters: Always drain the soaking water and use fresh water for cooking to reduce gas-causing compounds.
- Low and Slow: Simmer the beans on low heat to ensure they become tender and creamy without breaking apart.
- Liquid Level Check: Keep an eye on the water level during cooking, adding hot water as needed to prevent beans from drying out.
- Season Gradually: Add salt towards the end of cooking to prevent beans from becoming tough.
- Rest Time: Allow the beans to rest 10-15 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld and sauce thicken naturally.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a smoked ham hock or bacon for extra depth of flavor, staying true to the dish's rustic origins.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
