Frijoles Charros (Mexican Pinto Beans With Bacon and Chilies) Recipe
Do side dishes at potlucks and cookouts ever give you trouble? They're trouble for me. The ideal potluck or cookout dish is one that's easy to make in bulk and inexpensive, and doesn't degrade with extended heating or reheating. I nominate frijoles charros—Mexican cowboy beans cooked with onions, garlic, tomatoes, salted pork, and chilies—as one superlative potluck dish.
Do side dishes at potlucks and cookouts ever give you trouble? They're trouble for me. The ideal potluck or cookout dish is one that's easy to make in bulk and inexpensive, and doesn't degrade with extended heating or reheating. I nominate frijoles charros—Mexican cowboy beans cooked with onions, garlic, tomatoes, salted pork, and chilies—as one superlative potluck dish.
- kosher salt
- 2 leaves
- 1 pound (450g) dried pinto beans
- 12 ounces (340g) diced bacon (see note)
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced (about 8 ounces 225g)
- 2 serrano chilies or 1 jalapeã±o minced (remove seeds and ribs if you prefer less heat)
- 3 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon 12g)
- 2 cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes (see note)
- 6 cups (1.4l) homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicke
- 2 sprigs epazote (optional see note)
- large handful chopped fresh cilantro leaves and f
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (99g)
- Sodium 18.894525 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Place beans in a large bowl and cover with water by double. Add 2 tablespoons (30g) kosher salt and stir to dissolve. Let soak 8 to 12 hours. Drain and rinse.
- Heat bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until fat is rendered and bacon is just starting to brown around the edges, about 5 minutes.
- Add onion and chilies and cook, stirring, until softened and just starting to brown, about 4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add tomatoes (see note) and cook, stirring and scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until the liquid is thick and the mixture begins to sizzle, about 3 minutes.
- Add beans, stock, bay leaves, 2 teaspoons (10g) kosher salt, and epazote (if using).
- Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to a bare simmer, cover, and cook until beans are just tender, about 45 minutes.
- Remove lid and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until beans are completely creamy and liquid has thickened into a rich, creamy broth.
- Season to taste with salt.
- Discard bay leaves, stir in cilantro, and serve.
- Beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Frijoles Charros: A Potluck Star
As a busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for dishes that are both delicious and easy to make. Potlucks and barbecues are a regular part of our social calendar, and I’ve learned the hard way that not all dishes travel well. Some dishes wilt, some dry out, and others simply don’t hold up to being reheated. That’s why I’ve become obsessed with finding recipes that are robust and can withstand the rigors of a potluck. And that's where these amazing Frijoles Charros come in!
Frijoles Charros, or Mexican cowboy beans, are a revelation. They’re hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The rich, smoky bacon adds a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the earthy pinto beans. The onions, garlic, and chilies create a vibrant and warming spice profile, while the tomatoes provide a juicy sweetness. The combination is simply divine! But what truly sets this recipe apart is its resilience. These beans can be made ahead of time, transported easily, and reheated without losing their deliciousness. They actually get even better the next day, the flavors melding and deepening. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy individuals, allowing for stress-free entertaining.
Beyond the Potluck: While this recipe is a perfect potluck hero, it's also a fantastic weeknight meal. I often double the batch, enjoying a hearty serving for dinner one night and using the leftovers to create delicious burrito bowls or tacos throughout the week. The versatility is amazing. I've also experimented with adding different types of chili peppers, adjusting the heat to suit my family’s preferences. Sometimes I add a touch of cumin or smoked paprika for an extra layer of warmth and complexity. The possibilities are truly endless. It’s a dish that’s easily adaptable to suit your own taste and creativity.
A Culinary Journey: The name "Frijoles Charros" literally translates to "cowboy beans," evoking images of hearty meals shared around campfires. The dish’s origins lie in the Mexican countryside, where it was traditionally prepared by cowboys using readily available ingredients. It reflects the simple, wholesome approach to cooking that’s characterized by using fresh, quality ingredients and straightforward techniques. The result is a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish that resonates with both its rustic charm and its sophisticated taste.
This recipe isn’t just about the delicious food; it's about the ease and convenience of preparing a dish that everyone will love. It's about sharing a flavorful and memorable meal with friends and family, regardless of the occasion. It's about the comfort and satisfaction of a well-loved recipe that always delivers. So, ditch the potluck stress and embrace this simple, yet incredibly impressive, dish. Your guests will thank you for it!
Tips and Variations:
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked bacon or pancetta.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of chilies to adjust the spice level.
- Add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, for added texture and flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with mushrooms or smoked tofu.
- Serve with warm tortillas, rice, or your favorite Mexican sides.
More than just a recipe, it’s a culinary adventure, a testament to simple ingredients transforming into a symphony of flavors. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and enjoy the magic of Frijoles Charros!
