Brown Beans

A simple and rustic staple where dried pinto or kidney beans are slow-simmered until tender in a seasoned broth with onions and a hint of smoked ham. This budget-friendly, high-fiber dish is a foundation of traditional comfort cooking, providing a wealth of plant-based protein. Serve them with a side of warm cornbread for a quintessential and filling heartland meal.

Prep 15 minCook 235 minTotal 250 minUpdated Jul 3, 2026250 minLow CarbGluten FreeKeto Friendly

A simple and rustic staple where dried pinto or kidney beans are slow-simmered until tender in a seasoned broth with onions and a hint of smoked ham. This budget-friendly, high-fiber dish is a foundation of traditional comfort cooking, providing a wealth of plant-based protein. Serve them with a side of warm cornbread for a quintessential and filling heartland meal.

Ingredients

  • 0.13 cup Pinto Bean
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Salt Chicken Broth, reduced
  • 0.09 oz Ham Hock
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Salt

Instructions

  1. Pick over the beans, rinse them, and place them in a large bowl with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and enough water to cover by 3 or 4 inches. Allow the beans to soak overnight.
  2. The next day, drain and rinse the beans, and place them in a large pot. Stir in the chicken broth, ham hock, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and reduce the heat to a simmer.
  3. Simmer the beans over low heat for 4 hours, adding water occasionally if needed to keep the soupy consistency. Remove the ham hock before serving.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Storage

Store safely

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within a few days when appropriate for the ingredients.

Meal prep

Plan portions

Pre-portion this recipe so calories and macros are easier to track in CALRI during the week.

Tracking

Log with CALRI

Use the app to compare planned nutrition with what you actually eat.

Track Brown Beans in CALRI

Add this recipe to your calorie tracking routine, compare macros, and plan meals around your goals.

Download the App