Ingredients

  • FOR THE BEANS:
  • 4 cups Dry Pinto Beans
  • 4 slices Thick Bacon (can Also Use Salt Pork, Or Ham Hock, Or Diced Ham)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Black Pepper
  • FOR THE CORNBREAD:
  • 1/4 cups Plus 2 Tablespoons Shortening
  • 1 cup Yellow Corn Meal
  • 1/2 cups All-purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Buttermilk
  • 1/2 cups Milk
  • 1 whole Egg
  • 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoons Baking Soda

Method

  • For the beans: Rinse beans in cool water; pour them into a large pot, cover with water by 2 to 3 inches. Slice the bacon into 1-inch thick pieces and throw it into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 2 hours, or until beans are tender. Add additional hot water to the pot as needed. Beans should have a thick broth. Toward end of cooking time, add salt and pepper and season to taste. Don't over-salt. For a variety try adding chili powder, garlic or Tabasco. Serve in a bowl with cornbread. Can be served with small bowls of grated cheese, chopped onions, chopped fresh jalapenos, sour cream, and/or cilantro.
  • For the cornbread: Preheat oven to 450 F. Heat shortening over medium heat in an iron skillet (10-12 inch size), muffin pan, or other oven safe pan. Combine cornmeal, flour, and salt in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, milk, and egg. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Add baking powder and baking soda. Stir to combine. Add 1/4 cup of the melted shortening, stirring constantly. Pour the batter into the hot pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.