Cooking Pinto Beans (Frijoles de la Olla)

Next time you’re thinking of cooking pinto beans, or Frijoles de la Olla, try this easy recipe. It is the perfect side dish to your Mexican food favorites.

Cooking Pinto Beans, Frijoles de la Olla.

Back in Mexico, when we wanted beans, one of us kids would lug an empty stock pot to the tortilleria and pick up freshly made tortillas and frijoles de la olla.

Lucky for us, the owner of the store was in love with our aunt, and he would give us a warm tortilla to “butter us up”.

Once he gave my cousin a lollipop and that’s when the gloves came off.

We all fought to visit our future tío. (Tío = uncle)

I think at first we loved him more than my aunt did.

He would come over for dinner in his freshly pressed shirt, his best sombrero, and shined boots.

An excuse would be made to leave them alone, and eventually, he won her heart.

They married after many lollipops, many tortillas, and many, many pots of beans.

Cooking pinto beans is easy. I mean EASY!

It involves only 3 ingredients – water, beans, and salt.

However, it does take time.

Hours and hours, in fact. You can’t rush the magical bean.

This isn’t “Jack and the beanstalk.” This is “Juan, lets the beans talk”.

Making Frijoles de la Olla in a Slow Cooker

That is why making this in the slow cooker is ideal. Set the slow cooker: 4 hours on high, or 8 hours on low.

You can make ‘em while you sleep. Although, making them on the stove top is faster.

Sorting Beans

UGH! I have always hated this part, but it is essential.

Also rinse and repeat, or they will taste like mud.

Once in college, I was lazy and “accidentally” forgot about this.

Later on, I found a rock in my dish. Not a fun biting experience, let me tell you!

However, the family dentist loved it.

Next is the soaking. Very important!

The beans absorb the water, making them bigger.

I have skipped this part too. (I was a lazy college student).

Sadly, you will end up with small beans, and let’s all be honest here.

Size DOES matter. See soaked beans below.

Best method: Soak for 6 hours or overnight.

Quick soaking method: Add dried beans and 2 inches of water above the beans.
Bring to a boil. Turn heat off and soak for one hour. Then continue to the cooking instructions.

Don’t be stingy with the water.

Cooking pinto beans on the stove involves a lot of water.

Sadly, I’ve burned beans more times than I can count.

Again, the college days… (Beans 101)

Here’s a tip: Midway through the cooking process whether in the slow cooker or on the stove, add 1 cup of water.

Instant Pot Frijoles de la Olla:

I obviously make a lot of beans.

When I bought my instant pot, I thought, let’s give this a try.

The beans are not soaked. Ready in no time, but there’s a problem.

They come out a little mushy and not very whole.

If you’re making refried beans or enfrijoladas, then this is actually a good thing.

Not sure if I would put them in a soup. If you try them and make a soup out of them, please let me know.

See the full recipe here.

Other Things to Add when cooking Frijoles de la Olla

Some people will add other spices like cumin, oregano, and chicken bouillon.

Or garlic and onion.

I’ve seen people add bacon.

All of these are great additions.

I am giving people the most basic recipe. Adjust as you see fit.

Tell me how easy was that?! You’ll be cooking your pinto beans like a pro in no time. You’ll be able to enter the NBA – “National Beans Association”. Lol!