Frijoles Borrachos (Drunken Beans)

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: smoked sausage

Turkey bacon reduces fat while smoked sausage adds flavor.

beer

🥗Healthier: non-alcoholic beer

💰Cheaper: vegetable broth

Non-alcoholic beer maintains flavor without alcohol.

jalapeño

🥗Healthier: bell pepper

💰Cheaper: banana pepper

Bell pepper offers sweetness without heat.

cilantro

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: green onions

Parsley provides a fresh taste while being more accessible.

Clean 1 pound of pinto beans, about 2 cups, by removing any residue or stones.

Rinse the beans and soak them in warm water for 15 minutes, or soak for at least 1 hour if using the stovetop.

Rinse the beans again before adding them to the crock pot.

Add the beans to the crock pot, set to high heat, and cook for 6 hours.

After 6 hours, add 1 teaspoon of salt and mix in, then cover to keep warm.

Brown 10 oz of bacon with 2 to 3 tablespoons of water in a skillet.

Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to absorb excess fat.

Sauté 3/4 of a white onion and 3 minced garlic cloves in the bacon fat for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add 2 chopped Roma tomatoes, 2 jalapeños, and 2 serrano peppers; sauté for about 5 minutes.

Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1 tablespoon of New Mexico chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.

Add half of the bacon to the mixture, then add 2 cups of vegetable broth and 1 can of Modello beer.

Mix well and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.

Add 4 to 5 cups of cooked pinto beans and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, adjusting salt as needed.

If the mixture is too thick, add more vegetable broth; if too watery, simmer until desired consistency is reached.

Top with freshly chopped onion, cilantro, crispy bacon, and drizzle with lime juice before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary