Brazilian Pinto Beans

Steps

1. Soak 2 cups of pinto beans in 4 cups of water for eight to twelve hours.
2. Discard the soaking water and rinse the beans.
3. Place the soaked beans in a pot and cover with twice as much fresh water (8 cups).
4. Set the pot under high heat until it boils, then turn down the heat.
5. Simmer for one hour (or 20 minutes if using a pressure cooker), or wait until the beans are tender.
6. While the beans cook, prepare the seasoning: fry bacon in a pan. Add onions and garlic to the rendered fat and sauté.
7. Add the prepared seasoning mixture (bacon, onions, and garlic) to the pot of cooking beans.
8. Add salt and pepper to taste.
9. Mix everything together.
10. Let the beans simmer for an additional 10 minutes so the seasoning can penetrate the beans.
11. Serve hot.