RED WINE PINTO BEANS WITH SMOKY BACON

Red Wine Pinto Beans With Smoky Bacon image

Beans can be made ahead and get better after sitting a few days. The red wine, cooked down to syrup, adds intensity, complexity and that certain company-worthy fanciness to the whole thing. Whether you're vegetarian, meat eater, soup slurper, wine lover or none of the above, the only thing you need to enjoy this dish is a fondness for beans. That part is nonnegotiable.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Time 1h45m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1/2 pound smoky bacon, diced
1 large onion, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 large sprigs rosemary
1 pound dried pinto beans, soaked overnight
1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt, more to taste
2 cups dry red wine
Extra-virgin olive oil, for serving (optional)
Coarsely grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)
Coarsely ground black pepper or red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)

Steps:

In the bottom of a large pot over medium-high heat, brown bacon until golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in onion, celery, carrots, garlic and rosemary. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
Drain beans and add to pot along with 1 tablespoon salt. Pour in enough water to just cover the beans (about 7 to 8 cups). Bring liquid to a boil; reduce heat and simmer gently until beans are just tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Meanwhile, in a small pot over medium heat, simmer wine until it is reduced to 2/3 cup, 20 to 30 minutes.
Remove rosemary branches from bean pot and discard them. Pour wine into beans and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 20 minutes longer to meld flavors and thicken broth to taste. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan, if desired; add more salt and black or red pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 306, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 33 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 13 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 351 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams