Side Dish: United States – Santa Maria–Style Pinquito Beans

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 1 hr 30 min

Total 1 hr 45 min

Ingredients

U.S. measurements first, metric equivalents in parentheses. Conversions are approximate; oz means weight ounces, not fluid ounces.

Please confirm whether 15 7/8 oz (450 g) is the dry weight before soaking, or the weight after soaking and draining.
4 slices bacon or 4 oz (115 g) salt pork, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups (960 ml) beef or chicken stock (or water)
1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste (optional)
1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

Show original ingredient measurements

Please confirm whether 450 g is the dry weight before soaking, or the weight after soaking and draining.
4 slices bacon or 4 oz / 115 g salt pork, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups (960 ml) beef or chicken stock (or water)
1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

U.S. measurements first, metric equivalents in parentheses. Conversions are approximate.

1. In a large pot, cook bacon until browned; remove most fat leaving about 1 tbsp (15 ml) and sauté onion until translucent.
2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, then stir in tomato paste if using.
3. Add soaked beans, stock, oregano, and bay leaf; bring to a simmer.
4. Cook gently, partially covered, 1–1½ hours until beans are tender and sauce is thickened, adding water if needed.
5. Season with salt and pepper, remove bay leaf, stir and serve warm alongside tri-tip.

1. In a large pot, cook bacon until browned; remove most fat leaving about 1 tbsp and sauté onion until translucent.
2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, then stir in tomato paste if using.
3. Add soaked beans, stock, oregano, and bay leaf; bring to a simmer.
4. Cook gently, partially covered, 1–1½ hours until beans are tender and sauce is thickened, adding water if needed.
5. Season with salt and pepper, remove bay leaf, stir and serve warm alongside tri-tip.