Mexican Pinto Beans Recipe (Frijoles de la Olla)
User Reviews
5
Mexican Pinto Beans Recipe (Frijoles de la Olla)
Description
The Mexican Pinto Beans Recipe (Frijoles de la Olla) begins by soaking dried pinto beans overnight in water. For stovetop cooking, the soaked beans are combined with onion wedges, smashed garlic cloves, and an optional pork ham bone in a large pot filled with water to cover the beans by several inches. The beans are brought to a simmer and cooked gently for two to four hours until very soft, with cooking time varying based on bean age.
The pork ham bone adds depth and saltiness, though it can be omitted for a vegetarian version. After cooking, the aromatics and bone are removed. Fresh pico de gallo is stirred in for brightness and texture. Salt is added at the end to avoid toughening the beans during cooking, especially if no ham bone is used.
The dish can also be prepared in an Instant Pot without soaking, reducing cook time. These beans are versatile, suitable as a side dish or used in various Mexican recipes. The slow simmering tenderizes the beans and infuses flavors, resulting in creamy texture and savory richness.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pinto beans dried
- ½ onion cut into large wedges, sweet
- 4-6 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 pork ham bone Could use diced bacon, or skip for vegetarian, optional
- 1 cup Pico de Gallo
- water
- salt
Instructions
- Stovetop Method: Place the dried beans in a large bowl and fill with water, covering the top of the beans by 2 inches. Let the beans soak overnight.
- When ready to cook, place the beans in a large 6-8 quart pot with a heavy lid. Add the onion wedges, garlic, and hambone if using.
- Pour in enough water to cover the beans by 3-4 inches. Set the heat on medium.
- Cover and bring to a simmer. Then reduce the heat and simmer on medium-low to low for 2-4 hours, until the beans are very soft. *Even after soaking overnight, beans take a varied amount of time, base on how old they are. “New” dried beans will cook faster than beans that have been sitting in the pantry for months/years.
- Once the beans are soft, remove the onion, garlic, and hambone. Stir in the pico de gallo. Taste, then salt as needed.
- Instant Pot Method: When using an electric pressure cooker, you do not have to soak the beans overnight.
- Place the beans in a 6+ quart Instant Pot. Add the onion wedges, garlic, and hambone if using.
- Add 5 cups of water. Lock the lid into place and set on Pressure Cook High for 35 minutes.
- Perform a natural release. Once the steam button drops, it is safe to open the lid. If the beans are still firm, you can Pressure Cook again for 5-10 minutes. Then perform a Quick Release.
- Once the beans are soft, remove the onion, garlic, and hambone. Stir in the pico de gallo. Taste, then salt as needed.
- Crock Pot Method: Place the dried beans in a large 6-8 quart slow cooker. Add the onion wedges, garlic, and hambone if using. Pour in 8 cups water. (You do not have to soak the beans for this method.)
- Set the crock pot on HIGH for 8-10 hours or on LOW for 15-17 hours. Once the beans are soft, remove the onion, garlic, and hambone. Stir in the pico de gallo. Taste, then salt as needed.
Notes
- The pork ham bone is optional; it imparts rich flavor and salt but can be skipped for a vegetarian version.
- Delay salting until after cooking to prevent beans from toughening; add salt to taste once beans are soft.
- Cooking time varies depending on bean age even after soaking; test for softness before finishing.
- Instant Pot method allows skipping soaking and shortens cooking time significantly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 175 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.5cups | |
| Calories | 175kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 166mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 656mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 106IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 57mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
