Prairie-Fire Beans

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried pinto beans (about 2 cups)
• 8 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 small onion, peeled
• 4 bacon slices, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 cup minced onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (12-ounce) bottle beer
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 to 3 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

1. Sort and wash beans; place in a large Dutch oven. Cover with water to 2 inches above beans; bring to a boil, and cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour. Drain.
2. Return beans to pan; add 8 cups water, bay leaves, and small onion. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour or until beans are tender. Drain beans; discard bay leaves and onion.
3. Cook bacon slices in Dutch oven over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon slices from pan, reserving the drippings. Add minced onion and garlic to pan, and sauté for 5 minutes. Add beans, bacon, beer, and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.