Borracho Beans Recipe

Gather ’round, bean lovers, because I’m about to share with you a dish that’s basically a fiesta in a pot—my irresistible borracho beans! These beauties are not just soaked in beer; they’re doused in flavor, and trust me, you’ll be asking ”where have you bean all my life?” once you give them a try. 🍺🌿

Hearty, flavorful dishes are my passion, and Borracho Beans are a perfect example. By starting with dried pinto beans and smoky bacon, and finishing with a generous splash of Mexican lager, my version of this satisfying dish is downright delicious.

Aromatic onions, garlic, and jalapeño provide the base with just a little bit of spice, while a blend of cumin and chili powder delivers that rich, savory, very-bean-tasting taste that one seeks in a dish like this. Borracho Beans are a meal all by themselves and make for a fantastic, protein-packed side dish.

Borracho Beans Recipe Ingredients

• Pinto Beans: Rich in fiber and protein; heart-healthy legumes.
• Bacon: Smoky flavor; adds richness and depth.
• Onion: Savory base with natural sweetness; aromatic.
• Garlic: Adds bold, pungent flavor; health-boosting properties.
• Jalapeño Pepper: Mild heat; balances flavors with spice.
• Beer: Adds a malty depth; enhances umami notes.
• Cilantro: Fresh, citrusy flavor; brightens the dish.
• Lime Juice: Tangy and zesty; adds a refreshing finish.

Borracho Beans Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound dried pinto beans
• 12 ounces bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
• 4 cups water
• 12 ounces beer (Mexican lager preferred)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

How to Make this Borracho Beans Recipe

1. Wash and sort the dried pinto beans to take out any dirt. Then let them soak in water overnight, or if you’re short on time, use the quick-soaking method: boil the beans for 2 minutes, then let them soak for an hour.

2. In a sizable pot or Dutch oven, prepare the bacon by cooking it over medium heat until it reaches the desired level of crispness. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pot, allowing any excess grease to drip back into the pot. Set the bacon aside, somewhere safe and out of reach, for later enjoyment.

3. Put the chopped onion into the pot with the bacon fat and sauté until it’s translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and the diced jalapeño pepper and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is aromatic.

4. Drain the soaked beans and place them in the pot. Add 4 cups of water and the beer. Stir to combine.

5. Incorporate well into the pot the cumin, ground chili, salt, and black pepper.

6. Mix until combined, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for
1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and check the pot every 30 minutes, adding water as needed to keep the beans submerged.

7. Occasionally check the beans, stirring and adding more water as necessary to keep the submerged beans submerged.

8. When the beans have become tender, stir in the crispy bacon bits, fresh chopped cilantro, and the juice of one lime. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

9. Let the beans simmer for another 10-15 minutes, without a lid, so that the flavors can really meld together.

10. Warm the Borracho Beans and serve them as a side dish or main course. If you like, you can garnish them with even more cilantro than is in the beans.

Borracho Beans Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot or Dutch oven
2. Slotted spoon
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Spoon or spatula for stirring
8. Bowl (for soaking beans)
9. Colander or strainer (for draining beans)

FAQ

• What type of bean is traditionally used for Borracho Beans?For this recipe, the traditional choice is pinto beans.
• Can I use a different type of beer?Certainly! While a mild Mexican lager is the most appropriate, you can use any other kind of mild, American-style lager that you have access to.
• How do I adjust the spice level?If you want a more delicate flavor, use fewer jalapeños or omit them. If you want greater intensity, use more jalapeños or add serrano peppers.
• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?Certainly, the bacon can be omitted and the beer can be replaced with vegetable broth for a vegetarian take on this dish.
• How long should the beans soak?The optimal procedure is to soak the beans overnight or for a minimum of six to eight hours prior to cooking.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?Yes, indeed! The flavors that make Borracho Beans such a delicious dish often meld even better overnight. They blend together in ways that make them taste even better the next day.
• What should I serve with Borracho Beans?They go excellently with grilled meats, tacos, or for a complete meal, rice.

Borracho Beans Recipe Substitutions and Variations

12 ounces bacon, diced: Use 12 ounces of turkey bacon or omit for a vegetarian version.
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced: Use a small poblano pepper instead for less heat; use red pepper flakes instead for more heat.
12 ounces of beer: Use chicken broth or vegetable broth if avoiding alcohol.
1 teaspoon ground cumin. Substitute \n\n 1 teaspoon ground coriander. \n\n for \n\n a different flavor profile.
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Use 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley if you want a flavor that is milder and more to your liking.

Pro Tips

1. Soak vs. Quick-Soak For a creamier texture, opt for the overnight soaking method instead of the quick-soaking method. This allows the beans to absorb water slowly, ensuring even cooking and a better final texture.

2. Bacon Cooking Tips To ensure crispy bacon, start cooking it in a cold pot and gradually increase the heat. This method renders more fat, which imparts more flavor to the onions, garlic, and jalapeño.

3. Heat Adjustment If you prefer a spicier dish, consider leaving the seeds and membranes in the jalapeño when dicing. Alternatively, add a second jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

4. Beer Selection A Mexican lager is ideal for authentic flavor, but if you want to experiment, try using a smoky beer for added depth. Be mindful that different beers can change the overall flavor profile of the dish.

5. Flavor Development After adding the final ingredients (bacon, cilantro, lime juice), let the beans rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This rest time allows the flavors to meld further, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.