3 Easy Essentials of Mexican Cuisine Every Home Cook Should Know

black beans

🥗Healthier: kidney beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Kidney beans provide similar texture and flavor.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is more affordable and has a neutral flavor.

jalapeño

🥗Healthier: banana pepper

💰Cheaper: green bell pepper

Green bell pepper offers crunch without heat.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Homemade broth enhances flavor without extra cost.

Use 2 cans of pinto beans, take out 1 cup and process the rest until smooth.

Add the remaining beans to the processor and pulse three times for texture.

Heat oil in a pan and add bacon or salt pork to brown for 7-8 minutes.

Remove bacon and leave about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan.

Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.

Add 2 jalapeños (seeds removed) and cook for about 5 minutes.

Add salt and garlic, cooking until everything is wilting.

Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of cumin and let it become fragrant.

Add liquid to prevent thickening too quickly and let it evaporate.

Cook until the mixture thickens to desired consistency.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary