Santa Maria beans: small pink beans found as an accompaniment to their famous barbecue
On a road trip through California, we decided to check out the famous Santa Maria tri tip. (Supposedly, the meat is grilled over special red oak to add to its flavor.) Anyway, a usual side dish is composed of these pinquito beans found only in the Santa Maria Valley.
They’re cute little guys that are spiced up with chili flavor. Here’s one recipe on how to make them. Now, I’m not much of a bean fan myself, but it was a nice side treat.
Fun tip: We satisfied our barbecue craving by going to Old San Luis BBQ.
I made chili the other day, but with regular pinto beans ad ground turkey (I know, not very exciting at all). I really loved it. Maybe that’s because I don’t make chili that often. I wonder why not. It’s so easy in the slow cooker.
I think chili’s all about the spices, and there’s something really comforting about a piping hot bowl of it.