How to Cook Dried Pinto Beans in a Crock Pot
Cooking dried pinto beans is a great way to utilize their nutritional benefits without having to spend a long time cooking them over the stove. The crock pot is an easy and efficient way to achieve this. Here are the steps to follow when cooking your pinto beans in a crock pot:
Step One: Soak the Beans Overnight
Prior to cooking the pinto beans, it is important to place the beans in a large bowl and cover the beans with cool water. Soaking the beans overnight will reduce cooking time and increase the tenderness of the beans.
Step Two: Place the Beans and Liquid in the Crock Pot
Once the beans have been soaked overnight, it is important to rinse and drain the water. Place the beans inside the crock pot and add water, or a liquid such as broth or stock. It is important to use more liquid than beans, as the beans will absorb the liquid while cooking.
Step Three: Season as Desired
After placing the beans and liquid in the crock pot, it is time to season the beans. Feel free to add seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, or anything else that you desire.
Step Four: Set the Crock Pot and Cook
Once the beans are ready to go, set the temperature on the crock pot to low, and let the beans cook for 8 hours.
Step Five: Serve and Enjoy
Once the beans have finished cooking, it is time to enjoy! Serve the beans with a side dish, or top them with your favorite toppings.
Tips for Cooking Pinto Beans in a Crock Pot:
- Adding salt to the beans while they cook will make the beans more tough. It is best to leave out the salt and add it after cooking.
- Be sure to always use more liquid than beans, as the beans will absorb the liquid and expand.
- Adding acidic ingredients such as tomato sauce, lemon juice, or vinegar, can also cause the bean to become tough.
- For softer beans, increase the cooking time and check often.
Cooking dried pinto beans in a crock pot is a great way to save time while still making a nutritious dinner. With this step-by-step guide, you can have delicious and tender pinto beans in no time!
