: Smoked meats are essential. Expert copycats recommend using smoked salt pork smoked pork necks brisket drippings
The recipe is straightforward – no overnight soak required if you use a quick-soak method. The key is cooking the beans with a ham hock or smoked turkey leg, plus a small amount of bacon drippings. That’s where the signature richness and depth come from. Adding a little onion, garlic, and a pinch of cumin gives it a gentle Tex-Mex twist without overpowering the bean flavor. bill miller pinto bean recipe
"Let’s just say," Mike smiled, straightening up, "that when you cook ten thousand pounds of brisket a week, you have a lot of leftover drippings. And those drippings have to go somewhere. The beans are the final resting place of the pit." : Smoked meats are essential