Pinto Beans and Cornbread

Here’s a classic, Southern-style Pinto Beans and Cornbread recipe — cozy, filling, and full of rich, savory flavor.

🫘 Slow-Cooked Pinto Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (about 2 cups) dried pinto beans

• 6 cups water or broth (chicken or veggie)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 smoked ham hock, bacon, or 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional but flavorful)

• 1 tsp salt (add more to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp cumin (optional)

• Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Soak the beans (optional, but helps soften them):

   • Cover with water and soak overnight, then drain.
     (OR do a quick soak: boil beans for 5 minutes, cover, and let sit 1 hour.)

2. Cook the beans:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine soaked beans, onion, garlic, ham hock (or seasonings), and water/broth.

   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer 2–2½ hours, stirring occasionally, until tender.

   • Season with salt only after the beans begin to soften — too early and they may stay tough.

   • Add more water as needed if it gets too thick.

3. Taste and adjust:

   • Add pepper, more salt, or hot sauce if desired.

   • Simmer longer for creamier beans, or mash some with the back of a spoon for a thicker texture.

🌽 Southern Skillet Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal (yellow, stone-ground preferred)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)

• 2 eggs

• ¼ cup butter, melted

• 1 tbsp bacon grease or butter (for greasing the skillet)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a cast iron skillet inside to heat.

2. Mix dry ingredients:

   • Whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar (if using), baking powder, and salt.

3. Mix wet ingredients:

   • In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.

4. Combine:

   • Stir wet into dry until just combined (don’t overmix).

5. Grease and bake:

   • Carefully remove hot skillet, add bacon grease or butter, swirl to coat.

   • Pour in the batter, smooth the top.

   • Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

🍴 To Serve:

• Ladle warm pinto beans into a bowl.

• Top with diced onions, jalapeños, hot sauce, or a slice of smoked sausage.

• Serve with a big wedge of hot cornbread and maybe a dollop of butter.