The Origins of the Versatile Pinto Bean

Pinto beans are a staple ingredient in Mexican and Southwestern American cuisine, known for their distinctive dappled pink and tan coloring. But where exactly did these nutritious legumes originate from? A Long History in Mexico Pinto beans are native to Mexico and have been cultivated there for over 6000 years. Archaeological evidence shows pinto beans … Read more

How Long Does It Take to Cook Dried Red Beans?

In the five years I’ve been writing professional recipes, one thing has become very clear: most people, even skilled cooks, don’t like making dried beans from scratch. They want to do it, but they’ve failed too many times and have given up. Now they’ll just eat canned food. People first have trouble because they don’t … Read more

Do Canned Kidney Beans Need To Be Cooked?

Canned kidney beans are a pantry staple for many home cooks. They are inexpensive, shelf-stable, and ready to use in a variety of dishes. But a common question is – do canned kidney beans need to be cooked before eating? The short answer is no. Canned kidney beans are already fully cooked and tender during … Read more