How to Cook Salt-Free Pinto Beans

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Things You'll Need

  • Deep stockpot

  • Colander

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1 tsp. garlic powder

  • 1 tsp. onion powder

  • 1 tsp. ground cumin

  • Pepper to taste

Prepare pinto beans without salt for healthier, creamier beans.

Forget the salty canned pinto beans you might have had. Adding salt to pinto beans during cooking makes them tough. Prepare salt-free pinto beans for a creamy, vegetarian side dish or an addition to recipes. Salt-free pinto beans are still flavorful and they are healthier than beans prepared with added salt.

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Step 1

Add 1 lb. pinto beans and 10 cups of water to a stockpot.

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Step 2

Cover and refrigerate overnight to soak the beans.

Step 3

Drain the pinto beans through a colander.

Step 4

Return the pinto beans to the pot and pour 6 cups of fresh water over the beans. Add the bay leaves to the cooking water.

Step 5

Bring the beans and water to a boil. Lower the heat to simmer, and cook the beans for 60 to 90 minutes or until tender.

Step 6

Remove the bay leaves and discard. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin and pepper and serve.

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