Pintos with ham, fried potatoes with onions and homemade cornbread

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Perfect comfort food lineup! Here’s a simple set of recipes for pinto beans and ham, cornbread, and air fried potatoes that all work great together:

🫘 Pinto Beans and Ham

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb dried pinto beans (or 3 cans, drained & rinsed)
  • 1–2 cups cooked ham, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

  1. If using dried beans: Rinse and soak overnight or do a quick soak (boil 5 minutes, then let sit 1 hour).
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  3. Add beans, ham, bay leaf, paprika, and enough water/broth to cover by about 2 inches.
  4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more liquid as needed.
  5. Once beans are tender and creamy, season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Shortcut: Use canned beans and simmer for about 30 minutes with the ham and aromatics.

🍞 Classic Southern Cornbread

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a cast iron skillet or 8×8 baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
  3. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
  4. Stir wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Don’t overmix.
  5. Pour into preheated skillet or pan. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Optional add-ins: Corn kernels, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, or a drizzle of honey on top.

🥔 Crispy Air Fried Potatoes

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work great)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley or Parmesan to finish

Instructions:

  1. Toss diced potatoes in olive oil and seasonings.
  2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  3. Cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking basket halfway through.
  4. Potatoes are done when golden brown and crispy outside, tender inside.

Want to add a sweet tea or cobbler dessert to finish it off?

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