Mexican-Style Beans (Fagioli alla Messicana)
Category: Side Dishes
Serves: 4
Description:
This traditional Mexican-style beans recipe offers a delicious, hearty dish packed with rich flavors from aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. With its savory and spicy profile, this dish makes for a perfect side that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a standalone treat for bean lovers. The slow-cooked borlotti beans absorb the fragrant blend of cumin, cinnamon, and chili, while fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness right at the end. Let’s dive into the steps to bring this mouthwatering dish to your table!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried borlotti beans | 300g |
| Tomato passata | 300g |
| Yellow onions | ½ |
| Fresh chili pepper | 1 |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
| Fresh parsley | To taste |
| Baking soda | A pinch |
| Water | As needed |
| Extra virgin olive oil | As needed |
| Fine salt | To taste |
Instructions
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Soak the Beans: Start by placing the dried borlotti beans in a large bowl and covering them with cold water. Add a pinch of baking soda, which will help soften the beans as they soak. Let them rest for several hours, or ideally overnight, to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
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Prepare the Aromatics: While the beans are soaking, peel and finely chop the onion. Slice the fresh chili pepper into thin rings. These will add the depth of flavor and heat to the dish.
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Cook the Onions and Chili: In a large pot, heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them gently until they soften and turn translucent. Once the onions are softened, stir in the sliced chili pepper and cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Add the Beans and Spices: Once your onions and chili have cooked, drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot. Pour in enough water to cover the beans by about an inch. Add the cinnamon stick and ground cumin to infuse the beans with their warm, earthy aroma. Stir everything to combine.
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Simmer the Beans: Cover the pot with a lid and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the beans cook for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally. If the water level drops too low, add more as needed to keep the beans submerged. The slow cooking process will allow the beans to absorb all the wonderful flavors.
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Finish the Dish: After 3 hours, check the beans for doneness. If they are tender and cooked through, remove the lid and allow the beans to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. This will help the sauce thicken and become richer.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt to taste, then stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of green and added freshness. The parsley not only enhances the flavor but also gives the dish a beautiful contrast in color.
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Final Touches: Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat and give the beans a final stir. Serve the beans hot, either as a side dish or as a stand-alone meal, and enjoy the blend of spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors!
Tips for Perfect Mexican-Style Beans
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Soaking the Beans: If you’re short on time, you can opt for a quick soak method. Just cover the dried beans with water in a pot, bring it to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove it from the heat and let the beans sit covered for 1 hour before draining and proceeding with the recipe.
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Adjusting the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of chili pepper or remove the seeds from the pepper before slicing it. For an extra kick, consider adding a bit of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
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Using Canned Beans: If you prefer a faster option, canned borlotti beans can be used instead of dried. However, cooking from scratch gives the beans a richer flavor and a more satisfying texture.
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Make it a Meal: To turn this side dish into a complete meal, serve it over rice or with warm tortillas. It also pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork, adding depth to any BBQ or Mexican-inspired meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Potassium | 700mg |
| Vitamin A | 4% of daily value |
| Vitamin C | 15% of daily value |
| Calcium | 6% of daily value |
| Iron | 10% of daily value |
This dish is a true representation of the vibrant flavors and colors of Mexican cuisine, offering both comfort and excitement in every bite. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, it’s a side dish that will impress at any dinner table. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or a gathering with friends, these Mexican-style beans are sure to become a favorite!
