I omitted the huge batch of cilantro and replaced it with an extra bacon slice, a little sautéed onions, a dash of cumin and chili powder and we loved it. Almost as good as dried beans cooked for hours with ham hocks. We hate cilantro and I have found it is always best to simply omit it for us and the dish is fine. Parsley is a good substitute as well
We made this for our Cinco de Mayo dinner with friends and everyone loved it! The cilantro and tomato add freshness to the bacon-y goodness of the pintos. These are not spicy, so they are a good compliment to other dishes in a Mexican themed meal.
I do think 3 cups of cilantro would be too much - I used about one cup and the flavor came through beautifully. I simmered mine harder than suggested and let some of the liquid cook down as I was finishing the rest of the meal, then mashed them slightly at the end.
We will make these again! Restaurant quality with no fuss!