frijoles a la charra recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best frijoles a la charra recipe

I’ve been making frijoles a la charra for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorite dishes. It’s a hearty, comforting recipe that never fails to hit the spot. The dish originated in Mexico, where it’s a staple in many households.

It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s made with dried beans, onions, garlic, and spices. The key to making great frijoles a la charra is to use high-quality ingredients and to take the time to cook the beans slowly over low heat. This allows the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender and creamy.

I love serving frijoles a la charra with a side of warm tortillas, which helps to soak up all the delicious broth. My kids also love it when I serve it with some crusty bread or over rice. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

And the best part? It’s incredibly healthy, packed with protein and fiber from the beans and vegetables. I like to think that this recipe is a great way to connect with my family’s cultural heritage while also serving up a nutritious meal that everyone will enjoy.

My husband always asks me to make this when he’s feeling under the weather, as it’s easy on the stomach and helps to soothe his soul. Frijoles a la charra has become a staple in our household, and I’m so glad I can share it with all of you now.

Frijoles a la Charra

4.9 from 1407 votes

Frijoles a la charra is a traditional Mexican dish featuring charred beans cooked with bacon, onions, and spices. The beans are slow-cooked until tender and infused with rich flavors.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time1 hour 15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 25 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beans

1 lb pinto beans, dried
1 large onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, peeled
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

For the Bacon and Seasoning

8 oz bacon, diced
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 bay leaves

For Garnish

2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped white onion

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the pinto beans and place them in a large pot.
2Add the quartered onion, peeled garlic cloves, and chipotle peppers.
3Cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
4Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let it simmer for 1 hour until beans are tender and the onions and garlic are soft.
5Add more water if necessary.
6In a separate pan, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy and the fat has rendered.
7Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
8Add the cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pan with the bacon fat and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
9Using a blender or immersion blender, puree about half of the beans along with some of the cooking liquid until smooth.
10Return the pureed beans to the pot with the remaining whole beans.
11Stir in the seasoned bacon fat mixture and the bay leaves.
12Cook for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well combined and the beans have thickened slightly.
13Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
14Remove the bay leaves.
15Garnish with chopped cilantro and white onion before serving.
16The dish is ready when the beans are tender, the flavors are well combined, and the garnishes are evenly distributed.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Blender or immersion blender

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier version, add more chipotle peppers. You can also use canned pinto beans to reduce cooking time, but adjust the liquid accordingly.

Watch Video Of How Frijoles a la Charra Works

Frijoles a la charra is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

My family loves it when I serve it with some crusty bread or over rice, and my kids adore helping me cook it from scratch.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and dietary needs – simply adjust the amount of spices or swap out ingredients as needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Frijoles a la Charra

Q: What type of beans are best for frijoles a la charra?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use pinto or black beans. Both types have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the onions and garlic. You can also use other types of beans if you prefer, but keep in mind that they may change the flavor profile of the dish.

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

A: While you can use canned beans in a pinch, I highly recommend using dried beans for this recipe. They’ll soak up all the flavors of the spices and broth much better than canned beans will.

Q: How long do I need to soak the beans?

A: To make frijoles a la charra, you’ll need to soak your dried beans for at least 8 hours or overnight. This step is crucial in helping the beans become tender and creamy.

Q: What kind of spices should I use?

A: For this recipe, I like to use cumin, oregano, and chili powder for added depth of flavor. You can also add other spices like paprika or cayenne pepper if you prefer.

Q: Can I make frijoles a la charra in advance?

A: Yes! Frijoles a la charra makes an excellent meal prep dish because it keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days or freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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