Frijoles A La Charra (Savory Beans)

Servings: 6 cups Difficulty: Intermediate
A hearty, rustic Mexican bean stew simmered with pork rinds, bacon, and fresh chilies.
Frijoles a La Charra (Savory Beans recipe image

Frijoles A La Charra (Savory Beans)

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 cups Calories: 280

Description

Frijoles a la Charra is a traditional Mexican dish that transforms simple dried beans into a rich, comforting meal. This recipe combines pink or pinto beans with savory pork rinds and crispy bacon for a deep, meaty flavor profile. The addition of fresh serrano chilies, garlic, and tomatoes creates a vibrant, slightly spicy sauce that coats the tender beans perfectly. It is an excellent choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Place the dried beans, pork rinds, sliced onion, and chopped garlic into a large saucepan or bean pot.
  2. Add 6 cups of water to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer gently until they are tender, approximately 1.5 hours.
  4. Add the salt to the beans and continue to cook, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. While the beans are cooking, place a separate skillet over medium heat and add the lard or pork drippings.
  6. Add the bacon to the skillet and cook gently until it is slightly browned and crisp.
  7. Add the chopped tomatoes along with their reserved juice to the skillet with the bacon.
  8. Stir in the finely chopped serrano chilies and coriander sprigs.
  9. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the tomato mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes well-seasoned.
  10. Pour the tomato and bacon mixture into the pot with the cooked beans.
  11. Stir everything together and let it cook, uncovered, over low heat for about 15 minutes to combine the flavors.
  12. Serve the Frijoles a la Charra in small individual bowls. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled meat or add extra liquid to serve as a soup.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6 cups


Amount Per Serving
Calories 280kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12.5g20%
Saturated Fat 4.5g23%
Cholesterol 35mg12%
Sodium 450mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
Dietary Fiber 12g48%
Sugars 2.5g
Protein 18g36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: beans, charra, mexican, pork rind, bacon, pinto beans, pink beans, stew, savory, chilies, tomato, garlic, onion, coriander, lard, traditional, hearty, comfort food, dinner, vegetarian option
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