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–+ servings

Frijoles Charros

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A comforting and savory bean stew, packed with smoky bacon and chorizo, perfect for feeding a crowd and ideal for any family gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Beans and Base
  • 500 g 500 g dried beans (bayos or pintos) About 2 1/2 cups dried.
  • 1 liter 1 liter water or chicken stock Use water for a cleaner flavor or chicken stock for savory depth.
  • 1 leaf 1 bay leaf Add while cooking the beans.
  • to taste Salt and black pepper Adjust seasoning at the end.
Meat and Aromatics
  • 200 g 200 g bacon, diced Provides a rich flavor.
  • 200 g 200 g chorizo, casing removed and crumbled Adds spice and flavor.
  • 2 pieces 2 sausages, sliced (optional) Use as a meat extension.
  • 1 medium 1 medium onion, diced Sauté with other aromatics.
  • 3 cloves 3 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
  • 1 cup 1 cup diced tomatoes or 2 medium tomatoes, diced Can substitute with canned crushed tomatoes.
  • 1 piece 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, finely chopped Adjust amount to taste.
Garnish
  • 1 sprig 1 sprig fresh cilantro, chopped For freshness before serving.
  • to taste Additional green onions/scallions for garnish Add before serving.

Method
 

Cooking the Beans
  1. Rinse the dried beans well and put them in a large pot with enough water to cover by several inches, a pinch of salt, and the bay leaf.
  2. Bring to a boil, then lower to medium-low and simmer until tender, about 1-2 hours. If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 25–35 minutes at high pressure.
Preparing the Meat
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add diced bacon. Fry until golden and crisp.
  2. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add crumbled chorizo to the skillet and brown, breaking it up with a spoon. If using sausages, add them now and cook until lightly browned.
Sautéing Aromatics
  1. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  2. Add the diced tomatoes and chopped jalapeño/serrano pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes so the tomatoes break down and flavors meld.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Transfer the bacon, chorizo, sausages, and vegetable mixture into the pot of cooked beans.
  2. Pour in up to 1 liter of water or chicken stock, adjusting to ensure beans are comfortably covered.
  3. Simmer everything together on low for 20–30 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Serving
  1. Stir in chopped cilantro right before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 600mgFiber: 12gSugar: 5g

Notes

For lighter version, swap bacon for turkey bacon and reduce chorizo. Canned beans can also be used.
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