When I first tasted Santa Maria pinquito beans, I was transported to a cozy kitchen filled with laughter and warmth. The gentle sizzling of bacon combined with roasted chiles produced an irresistible aroma, drawing family and friends to the table. This dish is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors that perfectly balance smoky and spicy, delivering comfort in every bite.
Unearthing this culinary gem while exploring traditional recipes has reignited my passion for homemade meals, leaving fast food behind. The hearty combination of tender pinquito beans and savory bacon creates a satisfying dish that’s irresistibly versatile—perfect for cold nights or casual gatherings. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Join me as we dive into making these Pinquito Beans with Bacon and Roasted Chiles, a recipe that’s not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you’ve experienced the rich taste and fulfilling warmth, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Why Love Santa Maria Pinquito Beans?
Uncomplicated Preparation: This recipe is very approachable, making it perfect even for novice cooks.
Flavor Fusion: The delightful marriage of savory bacon and smoky roasted chiles gives you a bite packed with flavor.
Hearty and Satisfying: Pinquito beans are not only nutritious, but also create a filling dish that warms your soul.
Ideal for Gatherings: Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, these beans will surely impress your guests.
Versatile Dish: Pair your beans with rice, or enjoy them as a side to your favorite protein. Explore more ideas in this side dish section.
Comforting Aroma: The smell of simmering beans and sizzling bacon is bound to fill your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.
Santa Maria Pinquito Beans Ingredients
• Get ready for a delicious blend of flavors!
For the Beans
- Pinquito beans – These small, pink beans are the star of the dish, bringing a unique texture and flavor.
- Ham hock – Adds a rich, smoky depth to the beans as they simmer.
For the Bacon Mixture
- Bacon – Chopped and crispy, it brings savory goodness to the dish.
- Anaheim chiles – Roasted to perfection, they add a mild smoky heat that complements the beans beautifully.
- White onion – Chopped to enhance the sweetness of the dish when sautéed.
- Garlic – Smashed and minced for a fragrant kick in every bite.
For Flavoring
- Kosher salt – Essential for seasoning the dish to perfection.
- Ancho chile powder – Use this for a touch of earthy sweetness that marries beautifully with the beans.
- Brown sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the savory elements.
- Dry mustard – Provides a subtle tang to elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Paprika – Imparts a lovely color and a mild peppery flavor.
For the Sauce
- Tomato sauce – Brings moisture and richness, tying all the flavors together.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and umami, enhancing the overall taste of your Santa Maria pinquito beans.
For Garnish
- Sour cream – A dollop on top adds creaminess and a refreshing contrast.
- Chopped white onion – A crisp garnish that adds a little crunch and brightness.
How to Make Santa Maria Pinquito Beans
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Rinse and Soak: Rinse the pinquito beans under water, picking out any stones or debris. Combine them with the ham hock in a large stock pot, adding about 10 cups of water. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 2-3 hours, checking the water occasionally.
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Roast the Chiles: Place the Anaheim chiles on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil on high for 7-10 minutes, turning to blacken all sides. Remove from the oven and steam in a sealed bag or bowl for 20 minutes. Once cooled, peel off the skin, discard the stem, seeds, and membranes, then chop the chiles.
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Cook the Bacon: In a high-sided skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until crisp. Drain most of the grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
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Sauté Onions and Chiles: Add the chopped white onion to the skillet, sautéing for about 5 minutes. Then, incorporate the roasted Anaheim peppers and minced garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Season the Mixture: Stir in kosher salt, ancho chile powder, brown sugar, dry mustard, and paprika to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Make the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, 1 cup of water, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer for about 30 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Prepare the Beans: When the beans are tender, drain them, reserving some of the bean juice. Remove the ham hock, chop any remaining meat, and add it to the sauce.
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Combine Everything: Mix the drained beans with the sauce, adding reserved bean juice until you reach your desired consistency. Simmer for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
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Garnish and Serve: Serve your Santa Maria pinquito beans garnished with a dollop of sour cream and chopped white onions for an extra pop of flavor.
Optional: Serve with warm tortillas for a delightful touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Santa Maria Pinquito Beans
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Perfect Soak Timing: Soaking the beans overnight can drastically cut down the cooking time, ensuring they’re tender and ready quicker.
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Bacon Choice: For the best flavor, choose thick-cut bacon that will crisp up nicely and render enough fat for the sauté.
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Add Depth with Seasoning: Taste your bean mixture before serving, and feel free to adjust the seasoning. A pinch of salt or extra ancho chile powder can elevate your dish.
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Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the beans as they cook; overcooking can lead to mushy beans that lose their texture.
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Customization Opportunity: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to the recipe, adapting the Santa Maria pinquito beans to suit your family’s taste.
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Garnish Well: Don’t skip the garnishes! Sour cream and fresh chopped onions add flavor and brightness, making the dish even more inviting.
Make Ahead Options
These Santa Maria pinquito beans are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep enthusiasts! You can cook the beans and prepare the bacon mixture up to 3 days in advance, refrigerating them in separate containers. To keep the beans from drying out, add a splash of reserved bean juice before storing. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the bean mixture on the stove over medium heat, stirring in the pre-cooked bacon and sauce until warm. For added freshness, garnish with sour cream and chopped onions just before serving. This way, you’ll enjoy comforting, homemade beans with minimal last-minute effort!
What to Serve with Santa Maria Pinquito Beans?
When it comes to creating a delightful meal, pairing the flavors from the kitchen is essential for maximizing satisfaction.
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Fluffy Rice: A perfect base to soak up the rich sauce, fluffy rice balances the smoky notes while providing a comforting texture.
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Homemade Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread complements the savory depth of the beans, offering a delightful bite with every scoop.
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Crispy Tortilla Chips: For a fun crunch, serve tortilla chips on the side to enjoy the beans as a dip or alongside for added texture.
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Fresh Salsa: Bright and zesty, fresh salsa adds a refreshing contrast to the beans, balancing the richness with vibrant flavors from tomatoes and cilantro.
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Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy coleslaw provides a textural contrast that complements the heartiness of the beans beautifully, making each bite interesting.
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Spicy Pickled Vegetables: These add a punchy kick that can elevate the entire meal, enhancing the flavors of the Pinquito beans with vibrant tang.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine pairs well, cutting through the richness of the dish and refreshing your palate with every sip.
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Cheesy Quesadillas: Combining gooey cheese with warm tortillas serves as a delightful side to the beans, allowing everyone to enjoy the comforting elements together.
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Tropical Fruit Salad: Whetting the appetite with a light, refreshing fruit salad adds a hint of sweetness, balancing the savory protégé beautifully with vibrant colors.
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Dark Chocolate Brownies: End the meal on a sweet note with fudgy brownies, offering a contrasting rich dessert to wrap up an enjoyable dining experience.
Santa Maria Pinquito Beans Variations
Explore the endless possibilities to make this dish uniquely yours!
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Vegetarian Substitute: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or a mix of sautéed mushrooms to maintain a savory depth.
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Bean Variety: Swap pinquito beans for black beans or pinto beans to enjoy different textures and flavors in your dish.
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Extra Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers or zucchini to the sauté for a nutritious boost and added color.
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Spicy Kick: For those who crave heat, toss in diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce during cooking.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving for a burst of herbal freshness that brightens the entire dish.
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Sweet Twist: Consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar along with the brown sugar for a unique sweet and tangy blend.
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Creamy Additions: Stir in cream cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt for an irresistible creaminess that elevates your beans.
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Smoky Flavor: Infuse more smoke by adding a hint of liquid smoke or using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
How to Store and Freeze Santa Maria Pinquito Beans
Fridge: Store leftover Santa Maria pinquito beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.
Freezer: If freezing, place cooled beans in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space for expansion.
Thawing: To defrost, transfer the beans to the fridge overnight or use the microwave for quicker results.
Reheating: Heat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or reserved bean juice to maintain moisture and consistency.
Santa Maria Pinquito Beans with Bacon and Roasted Chiles Recipe FAQs
What type of pinquito beans should I use?
Absolutely use dry pinquito beans for this recipe! They’re small, pink beans that deliver a unique flavor and texture. Ensure they are fresh and without any visible cracks or debris. If you can find heirloom varieties, they’ll add even more depth to your dish!
How should I store leftover pinquito beans?
You can store leftover Santa Maria pinquito beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure the beans cool down completely before sealing the container to prevent moisture buildup!
Can I freeze Santa Maria pinquito beans?
Yes! Freezing is a great option. Once the beans are cooled, transfer them to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat directly from frozen in a saucepan over low heat.
What if my beans are too hard after cooking?
If your beans are still hard after the cooking time, they may need more time to simmer. You can add a bit more water and continue cooking on low for another 30 minutes. Just make sure to check every so often, and be patient; beans can be finicky!
Are these beans safe for pets or allergies?
While pinquito beans are safe for most people, they should not be given to pets as they can cause digestive upset. As for allergies, double-check ingredients if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities, especially when it comes to bacon or spices. To substitute, consider smoked turkey for a turkey-friendly version!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! To make Santa Maria pinquito beans vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the bacon and ham hock. Instead, use vegetable broth for added flavor and sauté some mushrooms or smoked paprika to replicate the umami depth. Your dish will still be delicious and satisfying!
Delicious Santa Maria Pinquito Beans with Bacon Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the pinquito beans under water, picking out any stones or debris. Combine them with the ham hock in a large stock pot, adding about 10 cups of water. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 2-3 hours.
- Place the Anaheim chiles on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil on high for 7-10 minutes, turning to blacken all sides. Remove from the oven and steam in a sealed bag or bowl for 20 minutes. Once cooled, peel off the skin, discard the stem, seeds, and membranes, then chop the chiles.
- In a high-sided skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until crisp. Drain most of the grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Add the chopped white onion to the skillet, sautéing for about 5 minutes. Then, incorporate the roasted Anaheim peppers and minced garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in kosher salt, ancho chile powder, brown sugar, dry mustard, and paprika to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, 1 cup of water, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer for about 30 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- When the beans are tender, drain them, reserving some of the bean juice. Remove the ham hock, chop any remaining meat, and add it to the sauce.
- Mix the drained beans with the sauce, adding reserved bean juice until you reach your desired consistency. Simmer for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve your Santa Maria pinquito beans garnished with a dollop of sour cream and chopped white onions.