Pinto Beans And Dumplings Food

PERFECT PINTO BEANS

Steps:

• Put the beans in a large bowl, cover with cold water and let soak overnight.
• Drain and rinse the beans, then put them in a large pot. Cover the beans with water and add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, bacon, garlic, bay leaves, onion, bell pepper and some salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cook until the beans are tender, 2 to 3 1/2 hours.

HAM & BEANS WITH DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• 1. Wash the beans and discard any irregular or discolored ones; add 2 quarts cold water and soak overnight.
• 2. Drain the old water and add 2 quarts fresh cold water into a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Place beans, ham, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaf into pot; cover. Simmer on low heat for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Add onion for the last half-hour.
• 3. If using ham bone, remove and cut the meat off; add ham to soup. If using ham steak cubes, leave in soup. Season to taste.
• 4. FOR DUMPLINGS: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt into mixing bowl. Combine milk and vegetable oil separately. Add all at once to dry mixture, stirring just until moistened.
• 5. Turn heat to medium to high under beans and bring them back to a boil. Drop batter from tablespoon atop bubbling beans. Cover tightly; let mixture return to boiling. Reduce heat (don't lift cover); simmer 12 to 15 minutes. Makes about 10 dumplings. Serve with plenty of cornbread.

PINTO BEAN SOUP WITH CORNMEAL DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• Coat a large saucepan with cooking spray, saute onion and carrots (and garlic if using) until tender. (If the pan appears to be too dry, add a tablespoon or so of the chicken broth.) Stir in the cumin until fragrant. Add the the beans, broth and salsa. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3-5 minutes or until reduced slightly.
• For dumplings, in a small bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. Stir in buttermilk, cheese and scallions just until moistened. Drop by tablespoonfuls six dollops onto simmering soup. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of a dumpling comes out clean (do not lift cover while simmering).

PINTO BEAN PIE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the beans, butter and vanilla. Stir in the sugar and coconut. Add eggs; stir well. Pour into crust. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. , Sprinkle with pecans; bake 15-20 minutes longer or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean but moist. Cool on a wire rack. Serve with whipped topping if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.