Chef John’s Santa Maria Style Beans: A Smoky, Savory Delight!
Santa Maria style beans are a regional specialty from the Santa Maria Valley in California, known for their simple yet incredibly flavorful preparation. Chef John, the internet’s favorite culinary personality from Food Wishes, has a fantastic take on this classic dish. His version emphasizes the smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that make these beans so irresistible. This article will guide you through Chef John’s recipe, providing detailed steps and helpful tips to create authentic Santa Maria style beans in your own kitchen.
What Makes Santa Maria Style Beans Special?
Unlike many bean recipes that rely on a laundry list of ingredients, Santa Maria style beans are all about highlighting the natural flavor of the beans themselves. The key ingredients are:
* **Dry Pink Beans:** These beans have a slightly nutty and earthy flavor that works perfectly in this recipe. You can also use small red beans or kidney beans, but pink beans are the traditional choice.
* **Salt Pork or Bacon:** This adds a crucial element of smoky, salty flavor that permeates the entire dish. Salt pork is preferred by some for its intense porky flavor, while bacon offers a more readily available and familiar option.
* **Onion and Garlic:** The aromatic base of the recipe, providing depth and complexity.
* **Chili Powder:** Adds a touch of warmth and spice without overpowering the other flavors. Use a good quality chili powder for the best results.
* **Brown Sugar:** A small amount of brown sugar balances the savory elements and adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
* **Water:** The cooking liquid that slowly transforms the beans into a tender and flavorful stew.
Chef John’s Santa Maria Style Beans Recipe
This recipe is adapted from Chef John’s Food Wishes video and incorporates some helpful tips and variations for achieving the perfect Santa Maria style beans.
**Yields:** About 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
**Cook time:** 3-4 hours
Ingredients:
* 1 pound dry pink beans, rinsed
* 8 ounces salt pork or bacon, diced
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 8-10 cups water
* Optional: 1 bay leaf
* Optional: 1 tablespoon dried oregano
Equipment:
* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Large bowl for soaking beans
* Knife
* Cutting board
Instructions:
**1. Soak the Beans:**
* Rinse the dry pink beans thoroughly under cold water, removing any debris or shriveled beans.
* Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover with at least 2 inches of cold water. The beans will expand as they soak, so make sure there’s enough water.
* Let the beans soak for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial for reducing cooking time and ensuring the beans cook evenly. Soaking also helps to remove some of the indigestible sugars that can cause gas.
* **Chef John’s Tip:** For a quicker soak, you can bring the beans and water to a boil in a pot, then remove from heat and let them soak for 1 hour. This method works in a pinch, but the overnight soak is still recommended for best results.
**2. Prepare the Pork:**
* Dice the salt pork or bacon into small pieces. The size of the dice is up to you, but smaller pieces will render their fat more quickly and evenly.
* **Chef John’s Tip:** If using salt pork, you may want to blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes to reduce some of the saltiness. Drain the salt pork and pat it dry before dicing.
**3. Sauté the Aromatics and Pork:**
* In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced salt pork or bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and has rendered its fat. This will take about 5-10 minutes.
* Remove the crispy pork from the pot and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. This crispy pork will be added back in later to prevent it from becoming mushy during the long cooking process.
* Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook in the rendered fat until it’s softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
**4. Add the Spices and Beans:**
* Stir in the chili powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper into the pot with the onions and garlic. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aromas.
* Drain the soaked beans in a colander and add them to the pot. Stir well to coat the beans with the spice mixture.
* Add the water to the pot, making sure the beans are completely covered. If you’re using a bay leaf or dried oregano, add them now as well.
**5. Simmer the Beans:**
* Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add more water if needed to keep the beans covered.
* **Chef John’s Tip:** The cooking time will vary depending on the type of beans and the age of the beans. Start checking for tenderness after 3 hours.
**6. Finish and Serve:**
* Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf (if using). Return the crispy pork to the pot and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt or chili powder to suit your taste.
* **Chef John’s Tip:** For a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon. This will release their starch and thicken the sauce.
* Serve the Santa Maria style beans hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or green onions, if desired. They are delicious on their own or as a side dish to grilled meats, such as tri-tip, a classic Santa Maria pairing.
Tips for Perfect Santa Maria Style Beans:
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The simple nature of this recipe means that the quality of the ingredients really shines through. Use good quality dry beans, salt pork or bacon, and chili powder for the best results.
* **Don’t Skip the Soaking:** Soaking the beans is essential for reducing cooking time and improving their texture. It also helps to remove some of the indigestible sugars that can cause gas.
* **Control the Salt:** Salt pork can be quite salty, so be careful not to over-salt the beans. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Simmer Low and Slow:** Cooking the beans at a low simmer for a long period of time is key to achieving a creamy and flavorful result. Avoid boiling the beans, as this can make them tough.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon. For a thinner consistency, add more water.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** While this recipe is a classic, you can experiment with adding other flavors, such as diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, or a splash of vinegar.
* **Make it Vegetarian/Vegan:** For a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the salt pork or bacon and use olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor. You can also add vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Santa Maria style beans are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve them alongside grilled meats, such as tri-tip, steak, chicken, or pork. They also pair well with grilled vegetables.
* **In Burritos:** Use them as a filling for burritos, along with rice, cheese, salsa, and your favorite toppings.
* **On Toast:** Spread them on toast and top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast or lunch.
* **In Chili:** Add them to your favorite chili recipe for extra flavor and texture.
* **As a Dip:** Blend them into a smooth dip and serve with tortilla chips or vegetables.
Variations:
* **Spicy Santa Maria Style Beans:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the pot for a spicier kick.
* **Smoked Santa Maria Style Beans:** Cook the beans in a smoker for a deeper smoky flavor. This will require some adjustments to the cooking time and temperature, so research smoker bean recipes for specific instructions.
* **Crock-Pot Santa Maria Style Beans:** You can also cook these beans in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the crock-pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
* **Instant Pot Santa Maria Style Beans:** For a quicker cooking time, use an Instant Pot. Cook the beans on high pressure for 30-40 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
Storing Leftovers:
Leftover Santa Maria style beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, let the beans cool completely, then transfer them to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat Santa Maria style beans in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Add a little water if needed to prevent them from drying out.
Nutrition Information (estimated):
(Per serving, based on a recipe with 8 servings. Actual values may vary.)
* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 10-15g
(This is just an estimation, actual nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Conclusion:
Chef John’s Santa Maria style beans are a testament to the power of simple ingredients and slow cooking. This recipe is easy to follow, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, using them as a filling for burritos, or enjoying them on their own, these beans are sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to experience the smoky, savory, and satisfying flavors of authentic Santa Maria style beans!