Description
Authentic Borracho Beans is a hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender pinto beans simmered in a rich blend of chicken stock, beef broth, turkey bacon, and aromatic spices. This recipe offers a delicious combination of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, perfect as a comforting side or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Broths
- 1 lb dried pinto beans
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 bottle beef broth (approximately 32 oz)
Meat and Vegetables
- 6 slices turkey bacon
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Optional Ingredients
- Cilantro, to taste
- 1–2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Soak the Beans: Soak the pinto beans overnight in plenty of water to soften them and reduce cooking time, ensuring they cook evenly and develop the best texture.
- Simmer Beans: Drain the soaked beans and add them to a large pot with chicken stock, beef broth, and optionally a salt beef or chicken bone for added flavor. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1½ hours to start softening the beans.
- Cook Turkey Bacon and Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, cook turkey bacon until crispy and set aside. Using the remaining grease, sauté chopped onions, finely chopped jalapeno peppers, and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetables and crispy turkey bacon into the pot with the simmering beans. Incorporate optional ingredients such as chopped cilantro, tomatoes, cumin, and oregano to enhance the flavor profile.
- Continue Simmering: Let the mixture simmer gently for another 1½ hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and all flavors have melded together harmoniously.
Notes
- Soaking beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute turkey bacon with smoked paprika and vegetable stock.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve Borracho Beans with warm tortillas, rice, or as a hearty side to grilled meats.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
