Sizzling Santa Maria Style Pinquito Beans Recipe You’ll Adore

Pinquito beans embody the heart of santa barbara’s culinary landscape, bringing robust southwestern flavors to your table.

Locals have cherished these small pink beans for generations.

Californian ranchers cultivate these delightful legumes with passionate dedication.

Compact yet packed with incredible taste, they offer a unique dining experience.

Each bite transports you to sun-drenched central coast landscapes.

Minimal ingredients combine to create a memorable dish that celebrates regional cooking traditions.

Savor this authentic recipe and let your taste buds explore the rich, smoky essence of santa maria valley.

Flavor Twists For Pinquito Beans

• Vegetarian Pinquito Beans: Replace ham hock with smoked paprika and liquid smoke for depth. Use vegetable broth instead of water to enhance flavor. Add diced mushrooms for meaty texture.
• Spicy Mexican Version: Increase ancho chili powder to 2 teaspoons. Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. Include ground cumin and cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari. Check all spice labels for potential gluten contamination. Use certified gluten-free bacon if possible.
• Low-Sodium Option: Omit added salt. Use low-sodium bacon and tomato sauce. Replace some salt with fresh herbs like oregano and thyme for flavor complexity.

Serving Ideas For Santa Maria Beans

• Flavor Boosters: Top with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro for an authentic Santa Maria style burst of flavor.
• Hearty Sidekick: Pair these rich pinquito beans with grilled tri-tip, warm tortillas, and a crisp green salad for a complete meal that screams California barbecue.
• Leftover Magic: Transform extra beans into a killer bean dip by mashing and adding a touch more spice, perfect for game day or casual gatherings with friends.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by varying the amount of ancho chili powder, making these beans friendly for both heat lovers and mild-preference eaters.

Storing Santa Maria Beans Properly

• Store cooled pinquito beans in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Beans will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer beans to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place beans in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature and add more time if needed.

FAQs

• Why use pinquito beans specifically?

Pinquito beans are native to Santa Maria, California, and have a unique creamy texture and nutty flavor that’s perfect for this traditional barbecue-style dish.

• Can I substitute the ham hock?

Yes, you can use bacon, pancetta, or smoked turkey for a similar smoky flavor if ham hock isn’t available.

• How do I know when the beans are perfectly cooked?

The beans are done when they are tender but still firm, maintaining their shape without being chalky or mushy.

• Is roasting chiles necessary?

Roasting chiles develops a deeper, more complex flavor, but you can use canned fire-roasted green chiles as a convenient alternative if you’re short on time.

Santa Maria Style Pinquito Beans Dish

• Burst with Authentic Flavor: Experience the true taste of Santa Maria-style cooking with these rich, smoky pinquito beans packed with layers of delicious ingredients.
• Master Complex Techniques: Learn professional roasting and simmering methods that transform simple ingredients into a gourmet dish, perfect for culinary enthusiasts wanting to elevate their cooking skills.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe with alternative chile options and adjust sauce consistency to match your personal taste preferences, making it a versatile dish for different palates.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Ideal for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and potlucks, these beans complement grilled meats and create a memorable dining experience that brings people together.

Ingredients For Santa Maria Pinquito Beans

Main Ingredients:

• Pinquito Beans: A specialty bean from Santa Maria Valley with a unique flavor and creamy texture.
• Ham Hock: Adds rich, smoky flavor and depth to the bean cooking process.

• Anaheim Chiles, White Onion, Garlic: Fresh ingredients that provide layers of aromatic flavor and subtle heat to the dish.

• Bacon: Provides a crispy base and adds a smoky, savory element to the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich, tangy foundation for the bean dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the overall umami and depth of flavor.

• Kosher Salt, Ancho Chili Powder, Brown Sugar, Dry Mustard, Paprika: A carefully balanced mix of spices that creates a complex and robust seasoning profile.

• Sour Cream, Raw White Onion: Fresh toppings that add coolness and crispness to the finished dish.

How To Cook Santa Maria Pinquito Beans

Step 1: Prepare Beans

Rinse pinquito beans thoroughly and remove any debris.

Place beans and ham hock in a large stock pot.

Cover with water by at least two inches.

Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Cook for 2-3 hours, checking water levels periodically and adding hot water as needed.

Beans are done when tender but still holding their shape.

Step 2: Roast Chiles

Broil Anaheim chiles on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Place under high heat, rotating every few minutes until completely charred.

Immediately seal in a container to steam for 20 minutes.

Peel off skin, remove seeds and stem, then chop into small pieces.

Step 3: Create Bacon Base

Dice bacon and cook in a large skillet until crispy.

Drain excess grease, leaving a thin layer in the pan.

Step 4: Build Flavor Foundation

Add chopped white onion to bacon.

Sauté until translucent.

• Roasted chile pieces
• Minced garlic

Cook for several minutes until fragrant.

Step 5: Season Mixture

• Kosher salt
• Ancho chili powder
• Brown sugar
• Dry mustard
• Paprika

Stir and toast spices briefly.

Step 6: Develop Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Water
• Worcestershire sauce

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Cook until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.

Step 7: Combine Beans and Sauce

Remove ham hock from beans, chop any meat, and add to sauce.

Drain beans, reserving cooking liquid.

Step 8: Final Bean Preparation

Add beans to sauce.

Gradually incorporate reserved bean liquid until desired consistency is reached.

Simmer for a few minutes.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate beans hot.

Optional garnishes include sour cream and raw white onions.

Pairs perfectly with grilled tri-tip.

Cooking Notes:

For convenience, substitute fresh chiles with a can of fire-roasted green chiles.

Instant Pot and Slow Cooker variations may require additional testing for optimal results.

Tips For Perfect Santa Maria Beans

• Broil peppers close to the flame, turning every few minutes to char evenly and prevent burning. Watch carefully to achieve perfect blackened skin without scorching.
• Save the cooking liquid from beans – it's packed with flavor and helps adjust sauce consistency without diluting the rich taste.
• Reserve a tablespoon of bacon grease for extra depth of flavor, and save the rest for future cooking adventures like amazing pancakes.
• Toast spices briefly to awaken their aromatics and create a more complex flavor profile before adding liquid ingredients.
• Skip fresh roasting by using canned fire-roasted green chiles for a quicker preparation without sacrificing authentic taste.

Santa Maria Style Pinquito Beans Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Santa maria style pinquito beans bring California’s central coast culinary magic to your kitchen. Rich with smoky bacon and traditional spices, this hearty dish delivers authentic western flavor that connects you to generations of robust ranch cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) pinquito beans (dry)
• 1 ham hock
• 1 pound (454 grams) bacon (chopped)

Vegetable and Spice Ingredients:

• 2 Anaheim chiles
• 1 large white onion (chopped)
• 4–5 cloves garlic (smashed and minced)
• 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can tomato sauce

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 0.5 to 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• 10 cups (2.4 liters) water
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Garnish:

• sour cream
• white onion (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously rinse pinquito beans, removing any debris. Transfer beans and ham hock to a large stock pot, covering with approximately 10 cups of water, ensuring beans are submerged by 2 inches.
2. Bring water to a vigorous boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer at medium-low. Maintain a slow bubble in the pot’s center for 2-3 hours, periodically checking water levels and replenishing with hot water to keep beans covered.
3. Test bean tenderness – they should be soft yet maintaining structural integrity, without a chalky texture.
4. Prepare Anaheim chiles by positioning under high broiler, rotating every minute until skin charrs completely black (approximately 7-10 minutes).
5. Immediately seal roasted chiles in an airtight container, allowing 20 minutes of steaming. Carefully remove waxy skin, discard stem and seeds, then chop into half-inch pieces.
6. Render bacon in a high-sided skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, reserving approximately 1 tablespoon of grease.
7. Sauté chopped onions in bacon grease, incorporating roasted chiles and minced garlic. Add spices: salt, ancho chili powder, brown sugar, dry mustard, and paprika.
8. Pour in tomato sauce, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 30 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
9. Drain beans, reserving cooking liquid. Remove ham hock, shredding any attached meat into the sauce.
10. Combine beans with sauce, gradually incorporating reserved cooking liquid to achieve desired consistency.
11. Simmer combined mixture for several minutes. Optional: garnish with sour cream and raw onions.
12. Alternative preparation options include using canned fire-roasted green chiles or exploring slow cooker/instant pot methods with adjusted cooking times.

Notes

• Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, helping break down complex sugars that cause gas.
• Save bacon grease for future cooking, adding rich flavor to other dishes like roasted vegetables or cornbread.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or using mild green chiles for a kid-friendly version.
• Use vegetarian alternatives like smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic ham hock’s depth when avoiding meat.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg