Ultimate Borracho Beans Delight
Dive into the rich and hearty flavors of these Ultimate Borracho Beans Delight! This beloved recipe combines the robust taste of pinto beans with smoky ham hocks and vibrant vegetables, all simmered in a delicious broth that will warm your soul. Whether served as a side dish for your favorite Mexican meal or as a main course topped with fresh cilantro and avocado, these beans are sure to please a crowd of 10-12 hungry diners. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner, you’ll want to make this recipe a staple in your culinary repertoire.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pinto beans
2-3 lbs (dry, rinsed)
White onions
2 small (diced)
Fresh jalapeños
2 (diced (optional for heat))
Garlic cloves
6 (minced)
Roma tomatoes
4 small (diced)
Fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
Smoked ham hocks
3 (trimmed of excess fat)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon
Onion powder
1 teaspoon
Paprika
2 teaspoons
Black pepper
1 tablespoon
Kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons
Cumin
1 tablespoon
Bacon drippings
2 tablespoons
Chicken stock
32 ounces (low sodium recommended)
Dark beer
12 ounces (optional)
Instructions
1
Soak the pinto beans in 8-10 cups of water. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, cover, and let soak for 1 hour to ensure tenderness.
2
After soaking, strain the beans and discard the soaking water. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of fresh water and 32 ounces of chicken stock to a boil.
3
While the beans are boiling, prepare the ham hocks by trimming them of excess fat and cutting the meat into small bite-sized pieces. Add the meat, fat, and any remaining pieces into the pot.
4
In a separate bowl, chop the onions, jalapeños, garlic, and tomatoes into small pieces. Add these vegetables, along with all spices to the pot with the beans and ham hocks.
5
Simmer the mixture on low heat for at least 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beans should become tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
6
Once done, carefully remove any large pieces of fat and bone from the pot. Taste the beans and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7
Before serving, stir in fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Borracho Beans Delight?
It is a rich and hearty dish featuring pinto beans simmered with smoky ham hocks, vegetables, and aromatic spices in a flavorful broth.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve between 10 and 12 people.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2-3 lbs of dry pinto beans, which should be rinsed before use.
How long should I soak the pinto beans?
The beans should be brought to a boil in water, then covered and allowed to soak for 1 hour to ensure they become tender.
Should I keep the soaking water?
No, you should strain the beans and discard the soaking water before adding fresh water and chicken stock for cooking.
What liquid base is used for cooking the beans?
The beans are cooked in a mixture of 8 cups of fresh water and 32 ounces of chicken stock.
Is beer required for Borracho beans?
While the name Borracho means 'drunk,' adding 12 ounces of dark beer is optional in this specific recipe.
What meat provides the smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from three smoked ham hocks that are trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Are jalapeños necessary for this dish?
The recipe includes two diced jalapeños, but they are noted as optional depending on your preference for heat.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 6 minced garlic cloves for a robust flavor profile.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends 4 small Roma tomatoes, diced.
What spices are included in the seasoning?
The seasoning includes chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, kosher salt, and cumin.
Do I need to add fat or oil?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings to add depth and richness.
How long do the beans need to simmer?
The beans should simmer on low heat for at least 2 1/2 hours until tender.
Should I leave the ham hock bones in the pot?
You should carefully remove any large pieces of fat and the bones from the pot before serving.
When should I add the cilantro?
Fresh cilantro should be stirred in just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, while it is a great side dish, it can be served as a main course, especially when topped with fresh avocado.
Is low sodium chicken stock recommended?
Yes, using low sodium chicken stock is recommended to better control the saltiness of the dish.
What type of onions are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 small white onions, diced.
How much cumin is used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of cumin.
Can I adjust the salt levels?
Yes, the recipe suggests tasting the beans once done and adjusting the seasoning if necessary.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is described as perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and cozy family dinners.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 17 ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the first step in preparing the ham hocks?
You should trim them of excess fat and cut the meat into small bite-sized pieces.
Does the recipe use both garlic cloves and garlic powder?
Yes, it uses 6 fresh minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What is the purpose of the initial boiling and soaking?
This process ensures the beans reach the proper tenderness during the long simmer.
Can I add more heat to the recipe?
Yes, adding more jalapeños or increasing the chili powder can help increase the spiciness.
What are the recommended toppings?
Fresh cilantro and avocado are highly recommended as toppings for these beans.
How much chili powder is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
How often should I stir the beans while simmering?
You should stir the mixture occasionally during the 2 1/2 hour simmer to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.