- 1). Pour a small amount of dried beans on a clean, flat surface, such as your table or counter and pick out any pieces of dirt or small rocks. Place the beans you want to keep in the strainer and throw all else in the trash. Continue this process until you sort 1 lb dried pinto beans, which is the same as 2 cups.
- 2). Rinse the dried beans in the strainer under cold water to wash off any dirt on them. Next, dump them in a pan and add 6 cups of cold water. The water should be at least 1 inch above the beans.
- 3). Add six bacon strips to the pan for added flavor. Use less or more bacon, depending on your tastes. A variety of meat works well with beans, such as ground sausage, hamburger or ham hocks.
- 4). Peel and cut the onion into chunks. Then place it in the pot. The onion is not necessary but does help improve the flavor for some people. Garlic chunks or peppers can replace the onion.
- 5). Turn the pot of beans on high until the water begins to boil. Turn the heat down to simmer and let cook for 3 or 4 hours, stirring often so the beans do not stick to the bottom. The beans need plenty of liquid so you may need to add more water throughout the cooking process.
- 6). Check for doneness by eating one of the beans. If it is soft and tender, the beans are finished cooking; if not, continue cooking until they are soft.
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