Authentic Borracho Beans

These Authentic Borracho Beans are a delightful comfort food that warms the heart and fills the belly. Rich in flavor and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply as a cozy weeknight meal. The beans simmer slowly, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the broth and spices, making them incredibly tender and tasty. Whether served as a side or main dish, these beans promise to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation – With minimal hands-on time, you can let the beans simmer while you enjoy your day.
• Rich Flavor – The combination of chicken stock, beef broth, and spices creates a depth of flavor that is truly irresistible.
• Versatile Dish – Perfect as a side for barbecues or main dish with rice; these beans fit any occasion!
• Nutritious and Filling – Packed with protein and fiber, they make for a hearty meal that satisfies.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – They store well in the fridge or freezer, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these Authentic Borracho Beans, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen that will help make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Chopping board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot – Essential for cooking the beans evenly. It allows for enough space to stir without spilling.
• Skillet – Perfect for sautéing your vegetables and turkey bacon to enhance their flavors before adding them to the beans.
• Wooden spoon – Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot. It helps combine ingredients thoroughly.
• Chef’s knife – A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables faster and safer.

Ingredients

These Borracho Beans are about as comforting of a pot of food as you’ll ever make. Warm, delicious, and wonderful any time of the year. Allowing the beans overnight ensures they will cook evenly and be perfectly tender.

For the Beans

• 1 lb pinto beans (dried)
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 bottle beef broth (preferably Mexican, not dark)
• 2 cups water (plus more as the beans simmer)
• 1 pound salt beef (or chicken bone)

For Flavoring

• 6 slices turkey bacon (roughly chopped)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 jalapeno peppers (seeded and finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Herbs and Spices

• 2 tbsp beef lard (optional)
• ½ cup cilantro (fresh, chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (roughly chopped)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper

How to Make Authentic Borracho Beans

Step 1: Soak the Beans

Soak the beans overnight in plenty of water. This step is crucial to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

Drain the soaked beans and add them to a large pot. Pour in chicken stock, beef broth, water, and add your salt beef (or chicken bone).

Step 3: Simmer

Bring everything to a low simmer for about 1½ hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom.

Step 4: Cook Turkey Bacon

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook turkey bacon until it’s crispy. Transfer it onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

Remove all but 2 tablespoons of turkey bacon grease from the skillet. Heat it over medium heat, then add onion, jalapenos, and garlic. Cook until softened—about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add cooked turkey bacon along with sautéed vegetables into the simmering bean mixture. Stir in optional beef lard if desired along with cilantro, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and additional salt to taste.

Step 7: Final Simmer

Continue to simmer for another 1½ hours until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally; add more water as needed to maintain a soupy consistency.

Enjoy your Authentic Borracho Beans warm!

How to Serve Authentic Borracho Beans

Authentic Borracho Beans are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a family meal, these beans make a delightful addition to your table.

With Rice

• Serve over fluffy white or brown rice for a filling meal. The beans’ rich flavors complement the rice beautifully.

As a Dip

• Mash the beans slightly and serve them warm as a dip with tortilla chips. This creates a hearty snack that’s perfect for parties.

In Tacos

• Use Borracho Beans as a flavorful filling for tacos. Add some fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and salsa for an extra kick.

With Cornbread

• Pair these beans with warm cornbread. The sweet and savory combination makes for a comforting dish that’s hard to resist.

On Nachos

• Layer the beans over tortilla chips with cheese and jalapeños for delicious nachos. Bake until everything is melted and bubbly.

As a Soup

• Add more broth to the beans to transform them into a warming soup. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

How to Perfect Authentic Borracho Beans

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Authentic Borracho Beans, follow these essential tips.

• Soak overnight: Soaking the beans overnight ensures they cook evenly and become tender.
• Use quality broth: Opt for high-quality chicken stock and beef broth to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the beans as they cook; adjust salt, pepper, and spices to your preference for maximum flavor.
• Maintain consistency: Stir occasionally and add water as needed to keep the beans at your desired soupy consistency.
• Let them rest: Allowing the cooked beans to sit for 30 minutes before serving lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Garnish generously: Top with fresh cilantro or diced tomatoes right before serving for added freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Authentic Borracho Beans

When enjoying Authentic Borracho Beans, consider pairing them with these delicious side dishes that complement their flavors well.

1. Mexican Rice: A flavorful rice dish cooked with tomatoes and spices that pairs perfectly with the richness of the beans.
2. Guacamole: Creamy avocado mixed with lime juice and spices adds freshness that balances the hearty beans.
3. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection makes for a colorful and nutritious side.
4. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas made with flour or corn tortillas offer a comforting crunch alongside your beans.
5. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Sweet corn on the cob coated in creamy sauce and sprinkled with cheese provides a delightful contrast to savory beans.
6. Chips & Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for an irresistible starter or side dish that enhances any meal.
7. Cabbage Slaw: A refreshing slaw adds crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the borracho beans nicely.
8. Pickled Jalapeños: For those who love heat, pickled jalapeños offer an excellent tangy kick that complements each bite of beans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Authentic Borracho Beans can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Not soaking the beans – Failing to soak your beans overnight can lead to uneven cooking. Always soak the beans for at least 8 hours for the best results.
• Using too much salt early on – Adding too much salt at the beginning can make your beans tough. Start with less salt, and adjust it toward the end of cooking.
• Skipping the sautéing step – Neglecting to sauté the vegetables can result in bland flavors. Take time to cook the onion, garlic, and peppers until they’re soft before adding them to the beans.
• Overcooking or undercooking the beans – Overcooking can make them mushy, while undercooking will leave them hard. Keep an eye on them during simmering to ensure they’re tender but not falling apart.
• Not adjusting liquid levels – If you don’t monitor the liquid as they cook, your beans may become too dry. Stir occasionally and add more water or broth as needed to maintain a good consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
• Allow the beans to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Authentic Borracho Beans

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion.

Reheating Authentic Borracho Beans

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered dish and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Simmer gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Authentic Borracho Beans:

What type of beans should I use for Authentic Borracho Beans?

Pinto beans are traditionally used for Authentic Borracho Beans due to their creamy texture when cooked.

Can I make Authentic Borracho Beans vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit any meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and beef broth.

How long does it take to cook Authentic Borracho Beans?

The total cooking time is about 3 hours after soaking overnight. This includes simmering time for perfect tenderness.

Are Authentic Borracho Beans spicy?

The spice level depends on how many jalapeño peppers you add. Adjust according to your taste preferences!

Final Thoughts

Authentic Borracho Beans are not only comforting but also versatile enough for any meal. You can easily customize this recipe by adding different spices or vegetables based on what you enjoy. Give this recipe a try, and experience a delicious taste of Tex-Mex cuisine!

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Authentic Borracho Beans

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Discover the warmth and heartiness of Authentic Borracho Beans, a Tex-Mex classic that’s both comforting and satisfying. These beans are slow-cooked to perfection, absorbing rich flavors from the chicken stock, beef broth, and a medley of spices. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, they can be served as a side or main dish. With their nourishing ingredients and simple preparation, these beans promise to impress even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy them with rice, in tacos, or as a hearty dip with tortilla chips. Dive into this delightful recipe and bring the taste of traditional Mexican cuisine to your table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb dried pinto beans
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 bottle beef broth
• 6 slices turkey bacon
• 1 medium onion
• 2 jalapeño peppers
• Various herbs and spices (cumin, oregano, cilantro)

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Instructions

1. Soak pinto beans overnight in water.
2. Drain beans and add to a large pot with chicken stock, beef broth, and water.
3. Bring to a low simmer for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
4. In a skillet, cook turkey bacon until crispy; remove excess grease.
5. Sauté chopped onion, jalapeños, and garlic in remaining grease until softened.
6. Combine sautéed vegetables and turkey bacon with the bean mixture; stir in spices.
7. Simmer for another 1½ hours until beans are tender, adding water as needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow-cooking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 15g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 20mg