We're heading over to our friends' house tonight and they asked us to bring a pot of beans . . .
Ranch Gordo Rio Zape BeansJust like the bag says, they're pinto-like. I also think they're a touch sharper in flavor.
Pre-Soak Sort OutThey don't really need soaking but when I have plenty of time, I prefer to do it. I ended up soaking them overnight. In any event, first comes a quick sort out. I think these beans are quite beautiful.
Mise En Place & Konosuke YW White #2 Gyuto, 210mmSmoked/cured pork hock, minced garlic, diced carrot, minced celery ribs & leaves, jalapenos/serranos/bay leaf, red onion, salt, black pepper, evoo and soaked rio zape beans.
I almost always go vegan and minimalist when I cook beans but decided that since it was a special occasion, I'd get a little more elaborate. So, this time, I added the celery, carrot and pork hock, none of which I usually include. The peppers just get slitted and added whole to the simmer, which adds a quiet note of background heat and a subtle layer of flavor. Fwiw, I cook the beans in the soaking water. If I can get a decent shot of the finished pot, I'll circle back and post it.
=R=
Same planet, different world