Simmered Pinto beans

By ashleyeraas

Nutritional information per serving: 254 calories; 1 gram fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 milligrams cholesterol; 47 grams carbohydrates; 16 grams dietary fiber; 2 milligrams sodium (note: does not include salt to taste; add 387 milligrams per teaspoon of salt); 16 grams protein

Ingredients

• 1 pound (about 2 1/4 cups) pinto beans, washed and picked over for stones, soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight in 2 quarts water
• 1 medium onion, cut in half
• 2 to 4 large garlic cloves (to taste), minced
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste (I think beans need a lot, at least 1 teaspoon per quart of water used)

Preparation

Step 1

1. Place beans and soaking water in a large, heavy pot. Add halved onion and bring to a gentle boil. Skim off any foam that rises, then add garlic and bay leaf, reduce heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes.

2. Add salt and continue to simmer another 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until beans are quite soft and broth is thick and fragrant. Taste and adjust salt. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove and discard onion and bay leaf. For the best flavor refrigerate overnight.