Borracho Beans

Borracho Beans, also known as “Drunken Beans,” are a traditional Mexican dish that is flavorful and hearty. Made with pinto beans, beer, and a medley of spices and vegetables, these beans are perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal. They are rich, savory, and filled with layers of flavor from the combination of beer, garlic, onions, and a variety of fresh herbs.

If you’re looking for a bold and rustic dish to serve alongside your tacos or grilled meats, Borracho Beans are just what you need. And if you prefer to skip the alcohol, you can substitute the beer with broth for a delicious non-alcoholic version. Whether you’re making them for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these beans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Kitchen Equipment Needed:
– Large pot or Dutch oven
– Cutting board and knife
– Wooden spoon or spatula
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Can opener (if using canned beans)

### Ingredients:
– 2 cups dried pinto beans (or 4 cups canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed)
– 6 cups water (if using dried beans)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped (optional for heat)
– 1 (12 oz) bottle or can of beer (pale lager works well, or use vegetable broth as a substitute)
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced avocado

### Directions:

1. **Prepare the Beans**: If using dried beans, rinse them thoroughly and place them in a large pot with 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1-1.5 hours until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside. (Skip this step if using canned beans.)

2. **Sauté the Vegetables**: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. **Add the Beer and Tomatoes**: Pour in the beer (or broth) and bring to a simmer. Then, add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together.

4. **Combine the Beans**: Add the cooked (or canned) pinto beans to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the liquid to reduce slightly.

5. **Finish the Dish**: Stir in the fresh cilantro and lime juice right before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

6. **Serve**: Serve the Borracho Beans hot, garnished with additional cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced avocado if desired. These beans are delicious alongside rice, tacos, or grilled meats.

### Prep Time:
– 15 minutes (additional time if soaking dried beans)

### Cook Time:
– 1 hour (if using dried beans)
– 30 minutes (if using canned beans)

### Total Time:
– 1 hour 30 minutes (with dried beans)
– 45 minutes (with canned beans)

### Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings):
– Calories: ~200
– Protein: 10g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fat: 5g
– Fiber: 8g
– Sugar: 4g
– Sodium: ~300mg

Borracho Beans are a versatile dish that brings a bold and smoky flavor to your table. Whether you make them with beer for an authentic “drunken” twist or with broth for a lighter version, they’re packed with flavor and sure to become a new favorite!

Borracho Beans,

"Drunken Beans," are a traditional Mexican dish that is flavorful and hearty. Made with pinto beans, beer, and a medley of spices and vegetables, these beans are perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Can opener (if using canned beans)

Ingredients

  

• - 2 cups dried pinto beans or 4 cups canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• - 6 cups water if using dried beans
• - 1 tablespoon olive oil
• - 1 medium onion chopped
• - 4 garlic cloves minced
• - 1 jalapeño pepper chopped (optional for heat)
• - 1 12 oz bottle or can of beer (pale lager works well, or use vegetable broth as a substitute)
• - 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• - 1 teaspoon chili powder
• - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• - Salt and pepper to taste
• - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• - Juice of 1 lime
• - Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro lime wedges, and sliced avocado

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the Beans**: If using dried beans, rinse them thoroughly and place them in a large pot with 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1-1.5 hours until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside. (Skip this step if using canned beans.)
• **Sauté the Vegetables**: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• **Add the Beer and Tomatoes**: Pour in the beer (or broth) and bring to a simmer. Then, add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together.
• **Combine the Beans**: Add the cooked (or canned) pinto beans to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the liquid to reduce slightly.
• **Finish the Dish**: Stir in the fresh cilantro and lime juice right before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
• **Serve**: Serve the Borracho Beans hot, garnished with additional cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced avocado if desired. These beans are delicious alongside rice, tacos, or grilled meats.
• ### Prep Time:
• - 15 minutes (additional time if soaking dried beans)
• ### Cook Time:
• - 1 hour (if using dried beans)
• - 30 minutes (if using canned beans)
• ### Total Time:
• - 1 hour 30 minutes (with dried beans)
• - 45 minutes (with canned beans)
• ### Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings):
• - Calories: ~200
• - Protein: 10g
• - Carbohydrates: 30g
• - Fat: 5g
• - Fiber: 8g
• - Sugar: 4g
• - Sodium: ~300mg
• Borracho Beans are a versatile dish that brings a bold and smoky flavor to your table. Whether you make them with beer for an authentic "drunken" twist or with broth for a lighter version, they’re packed with flavor and sure to become a new favorite!