Rancho Gordo King City Pink
Rancho Gordo King City Pink
SKU: 644216479597
DESCRIPTION
An heirloom bean from King City, California, with a rich history and a dreamy bean broth. It has a thin skin and a dense yet creamy interior.
You would think these pink beans would be a good substitute for the small, pink Santa Maria Pinquitos, but they're not. King City Pinks are closer to Buckeye; dense but not stodgy, they have a thin skin and produce a rich bean broth. We are in love.
COOKING SUGGESTIONS
Pot beans, chilis, baked beans, beans and rice
ORIGIN STORY
King City Pinks were mentioned by John Steinbeck in his seminal novel, Tortilla Flat. They helped put King City, California on the map in the 1930s and the bean's popularity peaked just after World War II. They remained popular locally but they have taken a backseat to the more glamorous Santa Maria Pinquito from further south. Yes, we said glamorous. "Finally, she called Danny's friends into her kitchen and explained that it was beans that they needed. The fire of their passion renewed, that night, four shadowy figures snuck past the sleeping guard and into the Western Warehouse Company. They emerged shortly afterwards struggling through the shadows under the tremendous weight of four one hundred pound sacks of pink beans.” -from Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck
FROM THE RANCHO GORDO KITCHEN
A great option for beans and greens: combine King City Pink beans and their bean broth with your favorite sauteed greens. Serve them over a bowl of steaming rice, or use them in a chili.
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Check beans for debris, and rinse thoroughly. In a large pot, sauté aromatic vegetables (onions, garlic, celery, carrot, etc.) in olive oil. Add beans and enough water to cover by about 2 inches. Bring to a full boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, using a lid to help regulate the heat, and gently cook until done, 1 to 3 hours. Salt when the beans start to soften. A pre-soak of 2 to 6 hours will lessen the cooking time.