1 pound (about 2 1/2 cups) dried pinto beans 8 to 10 cups water 1 onion about 1/4 pound, cut in half Salt to taste, if desired. 1. Combine beans in a saucepan or small kettle with eight cups of water and onion. Bring to boil. Reduce to simmer, cover and cook about 1 1/2 hours without stirring. Add more water if necessary as beans cook. 2. Add salt and stir and continue cooking until tender, 15 to 30 minutes longer. Yield: about 7 cups beans with their liquid.