Santa Maria Style Pinquito Beans Recipe

By John Mitzewich

Updated 11/06/17

Santa Maria Pinquito Beans
Jacob Snavely / Getty Images
Ratings (11)
  • Total: 90 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 75 mins
  • Yield: 8 Servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
236 Calories
2g Fat
42g Carbs
14g Protein
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This Santa Maria style beans recipe is a classic side dish for California's famous grilled Santa Maria tri-tip. Santa Maria style beans are traditionally made using pinquito beans, which are small pink beans native to that part of California, but any dried bean will work for this great barbecue side dish.

Makes 8 Servings Santa Maria Style Beans

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dry pinquito beans, pink beans, or pinto beans
  • 2 strips bacon, diced
  • 1/2 cup smoked cooked ham, diced
  • 2 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 teaspoondry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle pepper, optional
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water

Steps to Make It

Check through beans for small stones. Place in a pot and cover with cold water; soak overnight. Drain beans and return to the pot. Cover by 3-inches with fresh cold water, and simmer for 1 hour, 45 minutes, or until tender.

While the beans are cooking, saute bacon in a saucepan over medium heat until lightly browned. Add the ham and garlic; saute 2 minutes longer. Add the tomato, ketchup, mustard, paprika, chili powder, chipotle, sugar, salt, and water. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low and cook for 30 minutes. Reserve.

When beans are ready; drain, but reserve one cup of the cooking liquid. Return beans and cup of liquid to the pot and stir in the sauce. Simmer on low for 30 minutes. Serve hot with grilled Santa Maria tri-tip.