Olivia Carter
Preserving food has been a time-honored tradition for centuries, allowing us to enjoy the taste and nutrition of seasonal produce all year round. If you’re a fan of pinto beans and want to savor their wholesome goodness even when they’re out of season, canning is the way to go. While many canning recipes call for a pressure cooker, not everyone has one readily available. But fear not! In this article, we will show you how to can pinto beans without a pressure cooker, so you can enjoy these versatile legumes whenever you desire.
Why can pinto beans?
Before we dive into the canning process, let’s quickly touch upon why you should consider canning pinto beans in the first place. Pinto beans are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. They are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent addition to a balanced diet.
By canning pinto beans, you can avoid relying on store-bought canned beans, which often contain added sodium and preservatives. Plus, canning your own beans allows you to have more control over the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking.
What you’ll need
Now that you’re convinced of the benefits, let’s get started with the canning process. Although you won’t need a pressure cooker, there are still a few essential tools and ingredients to gather before you begin. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mason jars with lids
- Pinto beans
- Water
- Salt (optional)
- Canning pot or large stockpot with a rack
With these basic supplies in hand, you’re ready to embark on your pinto bean canning adventure. So let’s roll up our sleeves and learn how to can pinto beans without a pressure cooker!
Preparing the Beans
Before you can start canning pinto beans, you need to properly prepare them. Here are the steps:
- Sorting: Spread out the beans on a clean surface and remove any debris, stones, or discolored beans. You want to make sure you only have good quality beans for canning.
- Washing: Transfer the sorted beans to a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. This will help remove any dirt or dust particles.
- Soaking: Place the washed beans in a large bowl and cover them with enough cold water to fully submerge them. Allow the beans to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. This step softens the beans and reduces the cooking time.
- Draining and rinsing: After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them once again under cold water.
Note: Some people prefer to skip the soaking step and cook the beans directly. However, soaking helps to remove some of the gas-causing compounds in beans and can result in a better texture.
Once you have completed these steps, your pinto beans are ready to be canned without a pressure cooker.
Sanitizing the Jars
Before you start canning pinto beans, it’s important to properly sanitize the jars to ensure the preservation of your food. Clean jars will help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and increase the shelf life of your canned beans.
Here are the steps to sanitize your jars:
1. Wash the jars with hot, soapy water to remove any dirt or debris. Rinse them thoroughly.
2. Place the jars in a large pot, making sure they are fully submerged in water.
3. Fill the pot with water until the jars are covered by at least one inch.
4. Bring the water to a boil and let it boil for 10 minutes to kill any remaining bacteria.
5. Carefully remove the jars from the pot using jar tongs or a jar lifter.
6. Set the jars on a clean towel or a drying rack to air dry.
7. Inspect the jars for any cracks or chips. Discard any jars that are damaged.
Sanitizing the jars is an important step in the canning process to ensure the safety and quality of your canned pinto beans. By following these steps, you can have peace of mind knowing that your beans are preserved in clean and safe jars.
Preparing the Brine
Before you can start canning your pinto beans, you’ll need to prepare a brine solution. The brine solution helps to preserve the beans and adds flavor to them.
To prepare the brine, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Water: You’ll need enough water to cover the beans completely. Use clean, filtered water if possible.
- Salt: The salt helps to preserve the beans and add flavor. Use a ratio of 1 tablespoon of salt per quart of water.
- Optional seasonings: You can add additional seasonings to the brine for extra flavor. Consider adding garlic, onion, bay leaves, or dried herbs.
To prepare the brine, follow these steps:
- Measure out the water: Calculate how much water you’ll need based on the amount of beans you’re canning. Make sure you have enough to completely cover the beans.
- Add salt: Add the appropriate amount of salt to the water and stir until it dissolves.
- Add optional seasonings: If desired, add any additional seasonings to the brine. Stir to combine.
The brine is now ready to be used to can your pinto beans. Make sure to follow the canning instructions carefully to ensure safe and successful preservation of your beans.
Canning the Pinto Beans
Once you have prepared your pinto beans for canning, it’s time to start the canning process. Canning pinto beans without a pressure cooker is actually quite simple and can be done using a boiling water canner. Follow these steps to ensure your pinto beans are safely canned for long-term storage:
1. Sterilize the jars: Start by washing your canning jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly and then place them in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes to sterilize. Remove them from the boiling water and set them aside to cool.
2. Prepare the beans: Drain the cooked pinto beans and pack them into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Add 1 teaspoon of salt per quart-sized jar, if desired.
3. Add boiling water: Fill each jar with boiling water, again leaving about 1 inch of headspace. Use a non-metallic utensil to remove any air bubbles and adjust the headspace if necessary.
4. Seal the jars: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. Place a lid on each jar and screw the bands on until they are fingertip tight. Be careful not to overtighten the bands.
5. Process in a boiling water canner: Place the filled jars into a boiling water canner, making sure they are fully submerged in the water. Cover the canner with a lid and bring the water to a rolling boil. Process pint jars for 75 minutes and quart jars for 90 minutes, adjusting for altitude as necessary.
6. Remove and cool: Once the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and carefully remove the jars from the canner using jar tongs. Place the jars on a towel-lined countertop and let them cool for 12 to 24 hours. As they cool, you may hear the lids make a popping sound, indicating that they are sealing properly.
7. Check the seals: After the jars have cooled, check to make sure the lids have sealed by pressing down on the center of each lid. If it stays down and doesn’t flex, the jar is sealed. If the lid flexes or makes a popping sound when pressed, the jar did not seal properly and should be refrigerated or reprocessed using a new lid.
8. Store your canned beans: Once the jars are sealed and have cooled, store them in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Label the jars with the date they were canned for easy reference.
Canning pinto beans is a great way to preserve this nutritious and versatile legume for future use. Whether you plan to use them in soups, stews, or as a side dish, having canned pinto beans on hand will save you time and effort in the kitchen.
Sealing and Storing the Jars
Once your jars are filled with the cooked pinto beans and liquid, it’s time to seal them properly for long-term storage. This step is essential to ensure the safety and freshness of your canned beans.
Sealing the Jars
Before sealing the jars, make sure to wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any food particles or residue. This will help create a proper seal.
Next, place the flat lids onto the jars. The lids have a sealing compound that creates a vacuum seal when properly processed. Screw on the metal bands, but do not over-tighten them. The bands should be finger-tight, allowing some air to escape during the canning process.
Processing the Jars
Place the sealed jars in a canner or a large pot filled with boiling water, making sure the jars are fully submerged. The water level should be at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Use a canning rack or a folded dish towel at the bottom of the pot to prevent direct contact between the jars and the heat source.
Bring the water to a rolling boil and let the jars process for the recommended time according to altitude and jar size. It is important to follow the specific processing time as under-processing can lead to spoilage, while over-processing can result in mushy beans.
Cooling and Storing the Jars
Once the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and carefully remove the jars from the pot using jar lifters or kitchen tongs. Place the hot jars on a clean towel or wooden cutting board, ensuring they are not in direct contact with a cold surface to prevent cracking.
Allow the jars to cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. During this time, you may hear a popping sound, indicating that the jars have successfully sealed. To test the seals, press down on the center of each lid. If it does not flex or pop, the seal is secure.
Label each jar with the date and contents, and store them in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cellar. Canned pinto beans can be safely stored for up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate any leftover beans and consume them within a few days.
| Processing Time | Altitude |
|---|---|
| 1 quart jars | 0-1,000 ft |
| 1 pint jars | 0-1,000 ft |
| 1 quart jars | 1,001-3,000 ft |
| 1 pint jars | 1,001-3,000 ft |
| 1 quart jars | 3,001-6,000 ft |
| 1 pint jars | 3,001-6,000 ft |
| 1 quart jars | 6,001-8,000 ft |
| 1 pint jars | 6,001-8,000 ft |
FAQ
Can I can pinto beans without a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can definitely can pinto beans without a pressure cooker. There are alternative methods, such as using a water bath canner or an oven canning method.
What is the benefit of canning pinto beans?
Canning pinto beans allows you to preserve them for a longer period of time, making them readily available for future use. It also helps to preserve their nutritional value.
How do I prepare pinto beans for canning?
To prepare pinto beans for canning, start by sorting through them and removing any debris or stones. Then, rinse them thoroughly and soak them overnight. After soaking, drain and rinse again before proceeding with the canning process.
What is the process for canning pinto beans without a pressure cooker?
To can pinto beans without a pressure cooker, you can use the water bath canning method. Start by sterilizing your jars and lids. Then, pack the cooked pinto beans into the jars, leaving some headspace. Add boiling water or broth to the jars, ensuring the beans are fully covered. Wipe the rims of the jars, place the lids on top, and seal tightly. Process the jars in a water bath canner for the recommended time, based on your altitude. Finally, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool before checking the seals and storing them.
