Charro Beans | Mexican Bean Soup | Frijoles Charros

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: smoked sausage

Turkey bacon is lower in fat, while smoked sausage can be more affordable.

chorizo

🥗Healthier: lean ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Lean ground turkey has less fat, while ground beef is often cheaper.

Pour 2 pounds of pinto beans into a colander to remove stones and rinse thoroughly.

Soak the beans in water for at least 15 minutes.

Drain and rinse the beans again, then place them in a large pot with water about three inches above the beans.

Cook the beans on medium high heat for 20 minutes, then lower the temperature to medium heat.

After an hour and a half, check the beans and add 4 cups of hot water if needed, then lower the temperature to a number three.

Cut the bacon into smaller pieces and set aside.

Slice the wieners into smaller bite-sized pieces.

Cut the deli style honey ham into smaller bite-sized pieces, using most of the package.

Dice one medium to large white onion and two roma tomatoes.

Cut one serrano pepper in half, de-seed it, and dice it up.

Chop the leafy part of one bush of cilantro and mince two cloves of garlic.

In a large pan, add the bacon and fry until browned, then set aside.

In the same pan, add olive oil, onions, tomatoes, serrano pepper, and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes.

Add the chopped cilantro to the sautéed vegetables and mix well.

After two hours of cooking, add the sautéed vegetables, bacon, wieners, and ham to the beans along with 4 cups of water.

Season with 2 tablespoons of kosher salt and 1 tablespoon of oregano, then add more water if needed.

Cook for an additional 30 minutes, then serve topped with fresh diced tomatoes and cilantro.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: