Ranch Beans

Easy and delicious. These go great with cornbread.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 10 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2  cups pinto beans
• 8  cups hot water
• 1⁄2 onion, sliced
• 1  large garlic clove, sliced
• 8  slices bacon
• 4  medium tomatoes
• 2  ounces green chilies, diced
• 2  teaspoons salt
•  green onion, chopped

Directions

1. Rinse beans in cold water. Place in 4-quart kettle. Add hot water, onion and garlic.
2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Partially cover and simmer 1 1/2 to 2 hrs., until tender. Add more water if needed.
3. Fry bacon crisp, reserving 1 tablespoons of drippings. Crumble bacon.
4. Peel tomatoes. Strain seeds and discard, saving juice. Chop pulp.
5. Saute' tomatoes with juice and chiles in bacon drippings 10 minutes until reduced slightly. Add to beans. Add bacon.
6. Cook, uncovered, 15-20 minutes to blend flavors. Add salt.
7. Serve in small bowls as a meat accompaniment. Sprinkle with green onions.