Pinto Beans

One of the best recipes for beans that I've come across

2 Tb oil
1 c chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 large jalapeno, cut lengthwise in half
1 Tb oregano
1 tsp cumin
8.5 cups water
1lb dried pinto beans, rinsed and soaked
1 Tb packed brown sugar
1 tsp salt


1. Saute onion in oil for 3 min (until translucent)
2. Add garlic, jalapeno, oregano and cumin and saute 1 min.
3. Add water and beans and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer 1 hour.
5. Discard jalapeno. Add sugar and salt to beans.
6. Simmer uncovered until most of liquid has evaporated and beans are tender, about 1 hour.

Delicious served with rice and a side of jalapeno cornbread.