I made a variation on these beans today.
This is a small batch that I made in a Pyrex loaf pan.
After soaking around 1.5 cups dried pintos overnight , I rinsed them, and put them in an ovenproof dish. oven preheated to 300 ⁰F. Covered them with water that was 2 or 3 inches deeper than the beans. Added 2 bay leaves, half a peeled onion, 2 Chiles de Arbol and one California Chile. 1 tsp dried epazote.
I covered the dish with foil and baked at 300 for 6 h, stirring once in a while. Once they were soft, I added 2 chopped roasted tomatoes and around a tsp of ground cumin.
I stirred well, and baked the beans uncovered for half an hour.
I fished out the onion, and 3 dried hot peppers before serving.
I served them with a bit of sour cream.
I like using dried hot peppers in this way, rather than soaking them, removing all the seeds and stems , pureeing etc
What’s a California Chile?
As the days get shorter, I am beginning to think of cassoulet. For my last one I got those fancy Tarbais beans. Nice but not special enough to repeat. To me the true delight of cassoulet is deciding on the leftover bits of meat to use. I am happy with chicken legs done in duck fat. I am also fond of lamb in a cassoulet.
I’ll just add the link for reference 
Anyone have a source for heirloom beans that are reasonable in price, as in not Rancho Gordo?
I’ve bought Rancho Gordo beans in the past and liked them (still have a few packages) but they’re getting a little pricey. A recent visit to the produce store showed some in the $7-ish per lb range and upward towards $8.
Side note: I’ve been doing a diet experiment, eating about 4 oz of beans a day, replacing oatmeal, on the premise of more protein and fiber, better for the health. Up to now I’ve mainly eaten canned organic beans because of the convenience but now it’s time to start cooking my own.
Also looking at dried organic white and pinto beans, prices aren’t that much better. It’s actually less expensive to buy canned organic beans. Of course cooking your own should taste better, so there’s that. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
while they aren’t labeled heritage beans, I have found some Italian imports and Greek imports, some of which are organic and/ or non- GMO, are very good quality and lower priced than Rancho Gordo.
if you’re interested, I’ll find the brands I like.
Thank you, that makes sense, looking for beans from other countries, especially for organic and non-GMO. If you can find the brands, please post. I’m sure others would be interested as well.
There are local options like organic Cannellini and Northern white that are less expensive. Also going to look at organic options at Mexican markets. Gathering different option, doing research, then I’ll do some testing. Right now, cooking someRancho Gordo, Alubia blanca beans but realized, they’ve gotten a bit pricey.
I like Bartolini brand
These are available at Italian grocery stores and some independent grocery stores in Canada. Usually Canelinni and Borlotti are available.
Agrino is my preferred brand of Greek beans. Some of the beans come from northern Greece.
Available at Greek grocery stores in Canada.
I can’t remember if you’re in the South Bay or East Bay. (or elsewhere!)
I know there’s a place to pick up Greek imports in San Jose. And @ernie_in_berkeley would have ideas for where to find good Greek dry goods in the East Bay.
I’ve been pleased with beans, lentils, and pearled barley from here:
However, you have to purchase 4 lbs at a time. I’ve ordered direct from the company and Amazon.
Regarding Rancho Gordo, if you subscribe to the company emails you can track the sales.
Thanks for the link. I get the RG newsletter but haven’t been paying attention. Creeping towards $8/lb is too much IMO. i will still buy on occasion since there’s several local stores that carry RG.
I did find these, from Azure Standard, organic pinto beans. Very reasonable for organic at around $2.30/lb.
