I cook a lot of pinto beans. I make sure to get the latest year's harvest (easy because I'm in the middle of pinto bean country). I don't soak. I add 1.5 cups of pintos to a pressure cooker with a halved onion, a bay leaf, some cumin seed, salt, a few garlic cloves, and enough water to cover by two inches . Pressure cook on high for 25 min. Natural release. Store in the liquid.
A habanero and a strip of bacon go into plenty of my pots of beans. [emoji106]Add some peppers and we're talking!
I am a plant-based/wholefood eater so beans are major part of my diet. That being said, you have to start with quality beans, i.e., Rancho Gordo Beans. The next important element of cooking good beans is the use of a dedicated clay bean pot. Before I got one I was skeptical, now I am a true disciple. The flavor enhancement is well worth the investment. Micaceous clay pots impart the best flavor but are pricey. I paid $300 for my last 5 qt. Rancho Gordo has a clay pot (not mica clay) that costs about $80; good starter pot. As for soaking, I never soak beans. I put them straight into the pot with homemade veggie broth and spices, bring to boil and then cook slowly until the desired texture is reached (no salt). Veggie broth is made from veggie scraps stored in a bag in the freezer until full. Then I throw them all in a large pot with water and simmer for a couple of hours; strain out the out the veggies and there you go. Works well in cooking rice as well. Can't believe I used to throw those scraps away!
Here's where I got mine. Unfortunately, Rhonda's taking some time off but if you're not in a hurry, her pots are well worth the wait. She apprenticed under one of the Apache masters and really makes some nice pieces. https://www.etsy.com/shop/MicaceousPottery
Here's another I found that has a couple in stock but I can't vouch for the product. http://www.onstottarts.com/
If you decide to buy, I'd buy nothing less than than a 4 qt, 5 qt is ideal for me; I can cook up to 2 lbs of beans in it. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 a qt if you are lucky enough to fine them. Rhonda was about $50 a qt. If you live around Santa Fe, NM they seem to have a lot in the shops there.
If you want to try a clay pot that is not made of micaceous clay at a more reasonable price go to Rancho Gordo Beans. I tried that one first before I got the micaceous pot and enjoyed outcome. Its a a bit on the small side but will accommodate 1 lbs of beans. https://www.ranchogordo.com/products/110-mixteca-pot
Warning: These micaceous pots are like the fine cutlery, once you get your toe in the water you may find yourself wanting to add to your collection.
Thanks for the extensive answer. Unfortunately I live in Europe so buying your suggestions would be prohibitively expensive. I will try to look for it over here if I get some decent prices.
And I absolutely agree with you that you need to go for big size. I usually cook 0.7 to 1 kg of beans at the time so you need some volume especially if you also put in some meat as I always do.
Tell me something, can you put it on gas stove to cook or it can only be used in an oven?
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