Alliance, NE Pinto Beans

Cajun French:  la feve (la fev) – bean

 

 

In a truck stop in Alliance, NE we saw a five pound sack of dried Pinto Beans.  Looking closer, we realized the beans were processed and packaged in Alliance.  Always on the lookout for local items, we couldn’t resist.  Beans are a staple in our diet; we cook them once a week on average.  They are versatile food which can be used as an entrée, vegetable, or snack.

Mais C’est Bon!

Enjoy!!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups dried Pinto Beans
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 1 lg garlic clove
• Salt
• Olive Oil
• Cajun Seasoning
• 12 cups water (approximately)

Sort and rinse pinto beans.

Place pinto beans in large bowl and cover with water.  Let sit overnight if possible or at least 3 hours.*

Chop onion and garlic.

Heat 2 tbl olive oil to medium in large heavy pot.

Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes.

Add garlic and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.

Pour pinto beans and soak water in pot, adding additional water to cover beans.

Bring water to a boil.

Cook uncovered at medium high.

Add water as necessary.

When beans are almost cooked and no more water is being added, season with salt and Cajun seasoning to taste.

 

Depending on how long the beans soaked, it will take 2-3 hours cooking time.

 

Serve as a side vegetable or as a meal with rice.

 

*If there is no time to soak the beans, that is okay.  It will just take longer to cook them.