These slow-cooker pinto beans are full of flavor—and ... Reduce heat to low; cook until beans are tender, 6-7 hours. Serve with slotted spoon. If desired, top with fresh thyme sprigs.

Pinto beans need soaking for several hours before cooking, preferably overnight. Add a teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda to speed things up. An even quicker method is to bring them to the boil in ...

Pour over 500ml/18fl oz cold water, place the lid on the slow-cooker, then cook on a high heat for 7-8 hours, or until the beans have absorbed the liquid and plumped up and the sauce has darkened ...