Easy, Delicious Southern Pinto Beans Recipe

My fellow flavor lovers, gather 'round! Your supreme flavor-phile, and I’m here to drop some soul-soothing beats straight from the kitchen. Today’s hit? A pot of Southern Pinto Beans slow-cooked with smoky ham hocks and a bold remix of Haitian epis seasoning. Oh yeah, we’re taking classic Southern comfort and turning it up to a flavor-packed eleven!

These beans are tender, smoky, and bursting with spice and herbs that’ll have your taste buds dancing like they’re at a block party. So grab your pot, turn up the heat, and let’s serve up some serious love in a bowl!

Cooking dry beans from beginning to crazy delicious and comforting finish is hella rewarding. Two simple ingredients, beans and ham, cooked slowly is the formula. To reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, soak pinto beans before cooking.

This is your quintessential soul food cooking staple - warm, loving, and soothing to the core of your being. Picture a simmering pot, filled with plump beans bathed in a swath of deep flavors that have been passed down through generations. This recipe is a tribute to those deep-rooted Southern traditions.

Pinto beans* are a staple of soul food, and this recipe gives them a delicious Haitian twist. The key ingredient is the Haitian epis seasoning and ham hocks, which add depth, complexity, and comfort.*

There are many ways to cook homemade pinto beans, but this soul food side dish classic is one of the best pinto beans recipes you’ll ever have. Ham hocks add a delicious smoky flavor, while Haitian epis seasoning gives a tasty fresh vegetables and herbs vibe.

Best of all, this recipe is easy to make and can be enjoyed any time of year. So if you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal, give this pinto beans recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed.

This Southern pinto beans recipe represents comfort food at its finest. Dry pinto beans are slow simmered in a big ole pot along with smoky, thick ham hocks for creamy, hella flavored goodness.

The meaty ham hocks and slow cook make these Southern beans. It’s a long cook time but requires no effort beyond soaking the beans overnight.

Water, minimal seasonings, and hocks is really all you need. The rest is just all about time. But I threw in a twist by adding some Haitian epis to make things even more interesting.

What Is Haitian Epis?

Epis is similar to a sofrito. It’s a pureed mixture of garlic, herbs, and peppers and used as a flavor base in Haitian cooking including soups and stews.

Beats and Eats (Music to Pair with Pinto Beans)

My Uncle Rick was a big dude and he ate big ole gigantic servings of beans would a huge chunk of cornbread. Uncle Rick also drove a big Cadillac so in my mind Cadillacs and Southern pinto beans go together.

MC Shy D's "It's Just My Caddy" pairs well with Southern pinto beans because both embody a laid-back, down-to-earth vibe that celebrates simplicity and authenticity.

• Comfort and Rhythm: The smooth, steady beat of the song mirrors the comforting, slow-simmered nature of pinto beans, a dish that takes its time to deliver maximum flavor.
• Southern Pride: Just as the song nods to Southern car culture and lifestyle, pinto beans are a cornerstone of Southern cuisine, offering a hearty, no-frills connection to tradition.

Put the two together, and you've got a perfect soundtrack for a cozy kitchen session or a relaxed Southern-style meal.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When crafting the perfect Southern pinto beans, selecting the right ingredients is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture. Here are some tips to guide you:

• Pinto Beans: Opt for dried pinto beans that are fresh and haven’t been sitting on the shelf for too long. While canned pinto beans can be used for convenience, they may not deliver the same depth of flavor and texture as dried beans.
• Ham Hocks: Smoked ham hocks are the heart and soul of Southern pinto beans, infusing the dish with a rich, smoky flavor. Look for ham hocks that are well-smoked and have a good balance of meat and fat.
• Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth can enhance the flavor of the beans, but water or a combination of both works just as well. If you choose broth, opt for a low-sodium variety to control the saltiness.
• Spices: Southern pinto beans are typically seasoned with a blend of spices like paprika, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.

How To Make Southern Style Pinto Beans (step by step)

Prep the dry beans

Place dried beans in a large pot of cold water. Remove any small rocks or floating pebbles. Soak pinto beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

Drain soaked beans and set them aside.

Saute Vegetables

Pre-heat heavy bottomed dutch oven pot on medium high heat. Saute diced onions in the pot for about 2-3 minutes. Season with a quarter of the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Add diced cloves of garlic and the smoked ham hocks for another 30 seconds stirring once. 

Cook pinto beans

Add the drained beans, thyme, bay leaves, and water to the pot along with another ¼ of the spices. Cook on high heat to bring to a boil, then reduce heat, let beans simmer, cover, and cook (stirring occasionally) until beans reach desired tenderness (1 ½ - 2 hours).

Add the epis seasoning, increase heat to high cooking uncovered for 20-30 minutes- liquid should be reduced but still broth. Stir as needed.

Serve the cooked pinto beans with a dollop of the remaining epis. Garnish with green onion.

Adding Flavor with Ham Hocks

Ham hocks are a quintessential ingredient in Southern pinto beans, providing a depth of flavor that is hard to replicate. Here are some tips for maximizing their impact:

• Use Smoked Ham Hocks: Smoked ham hocks offer a more intense and complex flavor compared to their unsmoked counterparts. Their smoky essence permeates the beans, creating a rich and savory dish.
• Combine with Other Meats: For an extra layer of flavor, consider using a combination of ham hocks and other smoked meat like smoked turkey wings or bacon. This blend adds variety and enhances the overall taste.
• Simmer for Tenderness: Allow the ham hocks to simmer with the beans, ensuring they release their flavors and help tenderize the beans. This slow cooking process is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What to serve with pinto beans

Southern pinto beans pair well with a lot of different dishes, but there is a particular set of usual suspects that are go tos. Consider any of the following:

Sides

• Cornbread
• Collard Greens
• Fried Potatoes
• Rice
• Corn on the Cob
• Coleslaw
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Fried Black Eyed Peas

Main Dish

• Fried Chicken
• Fried Pork Chops
• Southern Meatloaf
• Beef Neck Bones
• Turkey Necks

Cooking Considerations and Tips For This Pinto Bean Recipe

For a quick soak, use the quick soak method and bring beans to a boil for 1 minute and then remove from heat. Allow beans to sit an hour prior to cooking.

Smoked turkey is a good substitute for ham hocks if you prefer healthier or just want to avoid pork altogether.

This dish is great without epis, so don’t fret if you don’t have the ingredients to make it.

This recipe works with red beans as well as white beans too.

Taste and adjust seasoning as you go.

Serve pinto beans with a full soul food menu including cornbread, collard greens, and pork chops or snapper.

If not using the epis seasoning, then make sure to add a little acid at the end of cooking. You can squeeze some lime juice or a few drops of cider vinegar.

I like using water in this recipe. But chicken stock can enhance flavor some. If going down this path go with a low sodium stock or make your own.

For a vegan or vegetarian version omit the ham hock. In place of the water use this homemade vegetable stock. Add fresh chopped or fire roasted diced tomatoes for additional vegetable eats.

Store leftover beans in an airtight container and refrigerate for about 3 days.

Note this recipe works for black eyed peas also.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Making Delicious and Easy Pinto Beans

Can You Use Canned Pinto Beans?

This soul food recipe is meant to be cooked slow and low over time. Canned beans are great for convenience, but not built for long slow cooking so its hard to get that same depth of complex flavor with canned without turning them into mush.

How Long Should I Cook Pinto Beans For?

Cooking time will vary depending on a few factors, but be prepared to cook these beans for at least 1 ½ hours if not more. Once you hit the one hour mark check for flavor and tenderness with the beans.

Can I cook These In a Crock pot or Slow Cooker?

I don't use a slow cooker beyond keeping things warm, but yes slow cookers are built for beans and provide a great deal of convenience. If cooking pinto beans in a slow cooker then brown the ham hocks in a skillet first to release some of that flavor.

Does this recipe work for Instant Pot?

Instant Pot does to beans what slow cookers do but faster and much better. If converting this recipe to a pressure cooker add the epis after pressure cooking using the saute function.

Does This Recipe Work With Other Beans?

Yes, red kidney beans or even white beans like navy or cannellini work well. I haven't tried black beans yet, but I'll be trying soon.

Other Bean Recipes

New Orleans Red Beans and Rice

BBQ Baked Beans

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Vegan Stewed Beans

make this beans recipe

These beans, simmered to perfection with love and tradition, offer more than just a meal—they offer a taste of history, community, and the unyielding spirit of the South. As you savor each spoonful of these tender beans, infused with smoky notes and savory goodness, may you feel the embrace of generations past and the promise of a future filled with culinary heritage.

Have you tried this Southern pinto beans recipe? It’s a delicious and hearty side dish that will keep you full all day long. Plus, it’s easy to make – just follow the simple instructions below. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!

If you make this soulful pinto beans recipe or any other recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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