Cowpoke Beans

Prep time: 720 min
Servings: 7
Yield: 7 servings

Description

This recipe was used by a chef I worked for and still enjoy feeding to my crew at home. This was served as a side dish for a Mardi Gras feast. You can also make this for vegetarian by omitting the bacon. A little of the favor is missing, but it still has a kick.

Ingredients

1 pound dry pinto beans
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups chopped onion
1 2/3 cups canned stewed tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 1/4 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1 Soak pinto beans overnight with plenty of water to cover. Drain, remove to a large cooking pot, and cover with fresh water. Add the bacon, red chile flakes, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 3 hours.
2 Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion in butter until tender. Add the tomatoes, parsley, cumin, marjoram, and salt. Simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes to blend the flavors.
3 When beans are tender, drain off any remaining water. Pour in the tomato mixture, and simmer for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.