Step 1

Place pinto beans into a large pot and pour enough water to cover by 2-3 inches above beans. Let soak overnight

Step 2

Drain beans, return to pot and pour in fresh water just to cover; add diced tomatoes, bacon or ham, onion, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 hours.

Step 3

Stir in cilantro and salt into bean mixture; simmer until beans are tender about 1 hour more.

Optional: Jalapenos diced in mixture and as garnish

Vegetarian Style: Eliminate the bacon and ham. Instead of fresh water pour vegetable stock over beans for flavor.