If the pintos are dark I don't buy them. I now buy my pintos from a meat market that sells the freshest, newest beans in the state.
I soak them over night. I preheat my crock pot starting with warm water. Then I place a clove of garlic with them and it helps them cook really soft and tasty, my DH loves them. In the pressure cooker I also add the garlic and again a great taste.
I always cook the pintos separate then add them to my green or red chile stew or other dish I'm serving. Hope this helps. :thumbup: MM