FRIJOLES A LA CHARA (COWBOY BEANS)

This delicious side dish using dried pinto beans is a favorite with cowboys out on the ranches in the southwest, and we think it will be a favorite of yours as well. Amanda of Tex Mex Eats shares her family recipe from Corpus Christi, Texas.
 
 

INGREDIENTS

  • 4-5 cups water

  • 2 cups of dried pinto beans, rinsed

  • pinch of salt

  • 1 tbsp minced garlic

  • ½ onion, diced

  • pinch of dried oregano

  • pinch of black pepper

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • 1 tbsp red chili powder

  • ¼ cup diced salt pork (optional)

  • 2-3 sprigs chopped cilantro

  • 1 jalapeño pepper, quartered

Suggested Garnishes

  • cilantro

  • diced onion

  • queso fresco cheese

HOW-TO

  1. In a medium saucepan bring 4-5 cups of water to boil

  2. Add salt to season

  3. Add beans, garlic, onion, oregano, pepper, cumin, red chili powder, salted pork, jalapeno and cilantro to pot

  4. Reduce to simmer on medium-low for 1½ - 2 hours, or until beans are soft, maintaining ¼" of broth over the beans while cooking

  5. Serve in a bowl with the broth with suggested garnishes