Oh, let me tell you about borracho beans! This dish is a real gem in Mexican cuisine, bursting with flavor and heartiness that warms your soul. Picture this: tender pinto beans simmered in a rich, savory broth, spiced just right with jalapeños and seasoned to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that takes you back to family gatherings, where the aroma fills the house and everyone gathers around the table with eager anticipation. What I love most is how versatile they are—they can be a main dish, a side, or even a filling for tacos! Trust me, once you dive into this bowl of deliciousness, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds. So, let’s get cooking and bring a taste of Mexico right into your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups pinto beans
- 4 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 jalapeños, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
How to Prepare Borracho Beans
Making borracho beans is easier than you might think, and it’s all about letting those flavors meld together beautifully! So, grab your ingredients and let’s dive into the magic of cooking these hearty beans.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Soak the Beans: The night before you plan to cook, soak your pinto beans in plenty of water. This helps them cook evenly and makes them super tender. You can totally skip this step if you’re short on time, but a soak really does wonders!
- Drain and Rinse: Once they’ve soaked, drain the beans and give them a good rinse under cold water. This helps get rid of any excess starch and keeps your dish from getting too mushy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, toss in the soaked beans along with 4 cups of fresh water. Then, add in the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and chopped jalapeños. It’s a colorful mix that already smells amazing!
- Bring to a Boil: Turn the heat up and bring everything to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, and add more water if it starts to look too dry.
- Add Seasonings: After the beans are tender, it’s time to season! Stir in the cumin, salt, and black pepper. Taste as you go—don’t be shy about adjusting those spices to your liking!
- Finish with Cilantro: Just before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro for that fresh, vibrant flavor. It’s the perfect finishing touch that brings everything together.
And there you have it! Your borracho beans are ready to be devoured. Serve them up with rice or warm tortillas, and enjoy every spoonful of this delightful dish!
Why You’ll Love Borracho Beans
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of pinto beans, spices, and fresh ingredients creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Each bite is a little fiesta in your mouth!
- Simple Preparation: With just a few steps and basic ingredients, making borracho beans is super easy, even for beginner cooks. You’ll feel like a pro in no time!
- Versatile Dish: You can serve borracho beans as a main dish, a hearty side, or even use them as a filling for tacos. They fit seamlessly into any meal!
- Nutritious & Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, borracho beans are not only delicious but also nutritious, making them a healthy choice for any diet.
- Great for Meal Prep: These beans store wonderfully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week. They taste even better the next day!
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether at a family gathering or a casual get-together with friends, borracho beans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your borracho beans turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve learned along the way:
- Don’t Skip Soaking: While you can cook beans without soaking, I really recommend it! Soaking not only helps them cook evenly but also shortens the cooking time. A win-win!
- Keep an Eye on the Liquid: As your beans simmer, check on them every so often. If they look like they’re getting too thick or dry, add a splash more water. You want that nice, soupy broth!
- Taste as You Go: This is key! Adjust the seasonings to your personal preference. A little more cumin or jalapeño can elevate the flavor to a whole new level!
- Chop Fresh Cilantro Right Before Serving: For the best flavor, chop your cilantro just before you add it to the pot. It gives that fresh, vibrant kick that makes all the difference.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be a borracho bean master in no time!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of borracho beans! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a general guideline. Typically, one serving (about 1 cup) of borracho beans contains:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This hearty dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying choice for your meals. Enjoy the goodness of borracho beans while knowing you’re fueling your body well!
FAQ Section
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans for borracho beans?
Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, canned pinto beans can work. Just skip the soaking step, and reduce the cooking time since the beans are already cooked. Just remember to rinse them well to get rid of any extra sodium!
What’s the best way to serve borracho beans?
Oh, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy them! You can serve borracho beans as a main dish alongside rice or tortillas, or even as a side with grilled meats. They’re also fantastic in tacos or burritos—trust me, it’s a game-changer!
How can I make borracho beans spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to add more jalapeños or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce while they simmer. You can also toss in some diced serrano peppers for an extra kick. Just adjust to your taste!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can! Let the borracho beans cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop!
What’s the origin of borracho beans?
Borracho beans, also known as “drunken beans,” are a beloved Mexican dish traditionally cooked with beer for added flavor. But don’t worry, you can enjoy them without the alcohol—just stick with the hearty broth, and they’ll still be amazing!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover borracho beans is super simple! Just let them cool down to room temperature, then transfer them into an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze them too! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll stay good for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw the beans in the fridge overnight.
For reheating, the stovetop works best. Just pour the beans into a pot, add a splash of water or broth to loosen them up, and heat over medium-low until they’re warmed through. Stir occasionally, and you’ll have that delicious, hearty flavor back in no time. Enjoy!
Call to Action
I hope you’re as excited to try these borracho beans as I am! If you make them, I’d love to hear how they turn out for you. Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts, tips, or any variations you tried! And don’t forget to spread the love—share this recipe on your social media and let your friends in on the deliciousness. Happy cooking!
Print
Borracho Beans: 7 Heartwarming Reasons You’ll Love Them
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty dish of beans cooked in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pinto beans
- 4 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 jalapeños, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the beans overnight.
- Drain and rinse the beans.
- In a large pot, combine the beans and water.
- Add onion, garlic, tomatoes, and jalapeños.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Add cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
- Serve with rice or tortillas.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: borracho beans, pinto beans, Mexican dish
