Charro Beans Recipe| Authentic Frijoles Charros | Villa Cocina

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 is lower in calories, while ground beef can be a budget-friendly option.

Rinse and drain 1 pound of pinto beans and add to a large pot.

Add 1/2 medium white onion and 6 peeled garlic cloves to the pot.

Pour in 12 cups of water and season lightly with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower to medium-low and let simmer for about 1.5 hours until tender.

Dice 6 ounces of ham into bite-sized squares.

Slice 5 strips of bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Slice 4 beef franks into bite-sized rounds.

Remove casing from 12 ounces of pork chorizo and break apart into a bowl.

Mince 3 garlic cloves and dice another 1/2 medium white onion.

Dice 10 ounces of red roma tomatoes.

Slice 1 serrano pepper in half lengthwise and then across (optional).

Roughly chop 1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro.

Remove 1 cup of beans and 1 cup of broth, blend until smooth, and set aside.

In a large pot over medium heat, add the bacon and cook until slightly browned, then transfer to a plate.

Remove excess fat from the pot, leaving enough to coat the bottom.

Brown the franks in the bacon fat, then remove them as well.

Add the diced ham to the pot and brown, then remove.

Add the chorizo to the pot and cook until done, breaking it up as needed.

Stir in the diced onion and cook until slightly softened, then add minced garlic and serrano pepper, cooking for about a minute.

Add the diced tomatoes and mix well.

Combine all the browned meats back into the pot and stir.

Incorporate the beans and broth into the pot along with the blended bean mixture and add 1/2 cup of water to the blender to get the last bit of bean paste, pouring it into the pot.

Let it reach a simmer, then add the chopped cilantro and stir.

Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, tasting and adding salt as needed.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary