NEVER Soak Your Pinto Beans in Plain Water Again — Try This Old Soul Food Trick

I never soak my pinto beans in plain water anymore—my Big Mama’s saltwater soak is my old soul food trick for creamy, tender beans. I’ll show you how I season them from the inside out while helping those skins stay whole. I’m Loretta Mayfield, and I’m sharing the method I learned at Big Mama’s elbow: 1 pound of dried pintos, 4 quarts of water, and 3 tablespoons of table salt for the overnight soak. I drain and rinse them, then build my pot with fresh water, smoked meat, onion, and garlic. I’ll walk you through my quick-soak option, gentle simmer, and why I save vinegar and hot sauce until the beans are tender. I also share what I watch for with old beans and hard water, plus how I thicken that pot likker without adding a thing. Do you soak your beans overnight, or put them straight in the pot? I’d love to hear how your family makes them. #PintoBeans #SoulFood #SouthernCooking