Charro Beans
Charro beans, or frijoles charros, are a beloved Mexican dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. This hearty recipe features pinto beans simmered with a medley of spices, tomatoes, and bacon, making it a perfect side or main dish. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or enjoying a quiet dinner, charro beans are sure to impress with their rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
– 2 cups dried pinto beans
– 6 cups water
– 4 strips of bacon, chopped
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño, diced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 2 hours.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of charro beans (approximately 1 cup) contains about 250 calories, 10g protein, 8g fat, 35g carbohydrates, and 12g fiber. This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Rinse the dried pinto beans and remove any debris.
2. In a large pot, combine the beans and water, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 hours until beans are tender.
4. In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
5. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
6. Stir in minced garlic and diced jalapeño, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Add the cooked bacon mixture to the pot with beans.
8. Stir in diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
9. Simmer the mixture for another 30 minutes to blend flavors.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the bacon with smoked paprika for flavor. Additionally, black beans can be used instead of pinto beans for a different taste profile.
Serving and Pairings
Charro beans are delicious served alongside grilled meats, tortillas, or rice. They also pair well with a fresh salad or cornbread for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover charro beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not soaking the beans overnight can lead to longer cooking times.
- Overcooking can make beans mushy; check for tenderness regularly.
- Skipping the seasoning can result in bland beans.
- Using too much water can dilute flavors; adjust as needed.
- Not garnishing can make the dish look less appealing.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce.
- Use homemade broth instead of water for richer taste.
- Let the beans sit for a while after cooking for better flavor absorption.
- Experiment with different spices to find your ideal blend.
FAQs
What are charro beans?
Charro beans are a traditional Mexican dish made from pinto beans cooked with spices, tomatoes, and often bacon. They are known for their rich, hearty flavor and can be served as a side or main dish.
Can I make charro beans in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare charro beans in a slow cooker. Just follow the same ingredients and cooking process, adjusting the cooking time to 6-8 hours on low.
Are charro beans spicy?
The spice level of charro beans can vary based on the amount of jalapeño or chili powder used. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less of these ingredients.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned beans for a quicker version. Just reduce the cooking time and add the canned beans in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How can I make charro beans vegetarian?
To make charro beans vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water, along with smoked paprika for flavor.
Conclusion
Charro beans are not just a dish; they are a celebration of flavor and tradition. With their hearty ingredients and rich taste, they make a perfect addition to any meal. Whether enjoyed alone or with other dishes, charro beans will surely satisfy your cravings and warm your heart.
Charro Beans
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 6 cups water
- 4 strips of bacon chopped
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño diced
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the dried pinto beans and remove any debris.
- In a large pot, combine the beans and water, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 hours until beans are tender.
- In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and diced jalapeño, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked bacon mixture to the pot with beans.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for another 30 minutes to blend flavors.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
