Ambush Beans
Ambush Beans is a hearty, smoky dish with tender beans, salt pork, chili, and jalapenos, perfect for comforting gatherings and those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the pinto beans overnight or bring them to a boil and soak, covered, for one hour, using just enough water to cover the beans by about an inch.
- Cut the salt pork into 1/4-inch slabs and fry in a cold skillet with 3 tablespoons of lard over medium heat until golden brown and fat is rendered. Remove salt pork and set aside to cool.
- Brown the chopped onion and garlic in the rendered fat until very slightly browned.
- Pierce the jalapeno peppers and add them whole or chopped to the beans.
- Add the chili powder to the beans.
- Cut the cooked salt pork into small squares and add to the beans.
- Add the rendered fat and browned onions to the beans.
- Simmer the mixture until the beans are tender, about 2 to 3 hours, adding water as needed to keep the beans covered.
- When the beans are done, mash a small amount through a sieve to thicken the mixture to your desired consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider soaking the pinto beans in broth instead of water. If you don't have lard, bacon grease or vegetable oil can work as substitutes. Adjust the heat level by using fewer jalapeno peppers or removing the seeds. For a smokier flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika. A touch of brown sugar can balance the heat from the peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Ambush Beans can be served as a hearty main dish or a delicious side. Pair them with cornbread or rice for a complete meal. They also complement grilled meats perfectly. For extra flavor, serve with a dollop of Jose'S Secreto Salsa or Jay'S Salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro or diced onions for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the beans and heat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For longer storage, consider freezing the beans in portions for up to 3 months, then thawing in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ambush Beans contains roughly 896 calories, with 32g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (110% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 645mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Ambush Beans vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by omitting the salt pork and using vegetable oil instead of lard. You can add smoked paprika for a depth of flavor and include extra spices to enhance the dish.
How do I know when the beans are done cooking?
The beans are done when they are tender and creamy. Start testing for doneness after 2 hours of simmering. If they are still firm, continue cooking, adding water as needed, and check every 15-30 minutes until they reach the desired consistency.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans to save time. Drain and rinse the beans, then add them to the pot with the other ingredients and simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This will significantly reduce the cooking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).