Authentic Slow-Cooked Pot Beans: A Flavorful Tex-Mex Delight

Real Frijoles en Olla Recipe

Introduction

Real Frijoles en Olla, also known as pot beans, are a staple in Hispanic, Mexican, and Indian homes. This hearty dish is a comforting and satisfying one-dish meal that embodies the essence of Tex-Mex and Southwestern U.S. cuisine. Slow-cooked to perfection, these beans are infused with the flavors of aromatic spices, savory pork, and fragrant garlic, creating a dish that’s both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

• 3 cups dried pinto beans
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon comino
• 1 strip bacon
• 1 slice ham
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Water

Instructions

1. Preparation: The night before cooking, place the dried pinto beans in a large pot and cover them with water.

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2. Soaking: In the morning, drain the soaking water from the beans.

3. Cooking: Refill the pot with fresh water, ensuring that the water level is about 4 inches above the beans.

4. Flavor Infusion: Add the pork (bacon and ham), chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, comino, and sugar to the pot.

5. Slow Cooking: Simmer the beans on low heat on the stove or in a crockpot for the entire day. Keep an eye on the water level and add more as needed to prevent the beans from drying out.

6. Testing for Doneness: The beans are ready when they are soft enough to easily smash between your fingers and thumb. If needed, continue cooking until desired tenderness is achieved.

7. Dealing with Burnt Beans: In the unfortunate event of burning the beans, immediately transfer them to a new pot with fresh water. Adding a raw potato, cut in half, to the beans can help absorb the burnt flavor. Discard the potato once the beans are cooked.

Serving Suggestions

• Real Frijoles en Olla can be enjoyed as a standalone meal, served with warm tortillas or crusty bread.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
• Pair with rice, avocado slices, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 233.5
• Fat: 0.8g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 8.5mg
• Carbohydrates: 42.7g
  • Fiber: 10.2g
  • Sugar: 2.5g
• Protein: 14g

Tips and Tricks

• Soaking the beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.
• Experiment with different cuts of pork, such as chorizo or sausage, to add variety to the dish.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and ham and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

Conclusion

Real Frijoles en Olla is more than just a recipe; it’s a cultural tradition passed down through generations. With its simple ingredients and slow-cooking method, this dish captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food. Whether enjoyed on a cozy weeknight dinner or shared at a lively potluck gathering, these pot beans are sure to delight taste buds and warm hearts alike.