Beans and Cornbread
A hearty stew paired with golden skillet bread delivers homestyle comfort in every bite.
Introduction to Beans and Cornbread
Beans and cornbread is a classic American comfort food dish that combines the simplicity of pinto beans with the crunch of homemade cornbread. This recipe, inspired by Ree Drummond, also known as the Pioneer Woman, is a staple of Southern cuisine and is perfect for a warm evening meal. The combination of flavorful beans, often made with bacon and spices, and the crispy cornbread is a match made in heaven.
**Ingredients for Beans and Cornbread**
**For the Beans:**
- 4 cups dried pinto beans
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- Optional seasonings: chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, oregano
**For the Cornbread:**
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons shortening
- Optional: diced green chiles
**Preparing the Cornbread**
Cornbread is a crucial component of this dish, and its preparation involves a few key steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you’re using a skillet, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Prep Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine buttermilk and milk. Beat in the egg and add the baking soda. This mixture will bubble slightly.
- Melt Shortening: In a small bowl, melt ¼ cup of shortening in the microwave. Slowly pour it into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Final Touches: Add the melted shortening into the batter and mix until combined. Calculate the timing according to your choice of pan – for a skillet, cook for about a minute on the stovetop, then transfer to the oven.
**Cooking the Cornbread**
For a crispy cornbread, use a hot skillet in the oven. Here’s how to proceed:
- Heat Skillet: Place the skillet over medium heat or in a hot oven until it’s hot. Add 2-3 tablespoons of shortening to the skillet and let it melt.
- Pour Batter: Pour the cornbread batter into the hot skillet. The batter will sizzle around the edges, indicating it’s ready to cook.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
**Preparing the Beans**
The beans are cooked in a large pot with aromatic ingredients like garlic and bacon. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Soak the Beans: Rinse 4 cups of dried pinto beans and soak them in water for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Simmer the Beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Place them in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with the bacon, garlic, and onion. Add enough water to cover everything by about an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3-3.5 hours.
- Season the Beans: Add salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings to the beans during the last hour of cooking. Stir well.
**Serving Beans and Cornbread**
Once both components are ready, it’s time to serve. Spoon the hot beans over the cornbread, and consider adding toppings like sour cream, diced onions, grated cheese, or cilantro for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use different types of beans instead of pinto beans?
A: Yes, you can use other types of beans like black beans or kidney beans, but pinto beans are traditional for this dish.
Q: How do I make buttermilk if I don’t have it?
A: You can make a substitute for buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
Q: Can I make cornbread without an iron skillet?
A: Yes, you can use other pans like a muffin tin, corn stick pan, or even a baking dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9880/beans-and-cornb/
- https://www.recipegirl.com/pioneer-womans-beans-and-cornbread/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPQ-Z7qZNdE
- https://pioneerwoman.fandom.com/wiki/Beans_and_Cornbread
- https://www.food.com/recipe/beans-and-cornbread-pioneer-woman-436495
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