Border Beans
Border Beans is a hearty Mexican dish featuring tender pinto beans simmered with salt pork, garlic, oregano, and chili pequins, resulting in a flavorful, spicy, and smoky taste. Perfect for those who enjoy rustic, comforting beans with bold flavors, ideal for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the beans and put them in a tall, narrow ware pot called a jarrow, filling it about half full with water.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for one hour, keeping the water barely covering the beans and ensuring it remains boiling.
- Add several chunks of salt pork after the first hour of cooking.
- Continue simmering without a lid for two more hours, maintaining the water level just above the beans.
- At the end of two hours, finely chop 6 garlic pods and add to the beans.
- After another hour, mash and add 2 chili pequin peppers (or jalapenos) with seeds removed, along with oregano.
- Cook for one more hour.
- Finally, add one level tablespoon of salt per pound of beans (about 2 tablespoons), and simmer for an additional hour.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider soaking the pinto beans overnight before cooking. If you don't have salt pork, you can substitute with diced bacon for a smoky taste. For a spicier kick, add more chili pequin peppers. Stir the beans occasionally to prevent sticking, and if the water level drops too low, add more hot water to maintain the cooking process.
Serving Suggestions
These Border Beans are delicious served over rice or alongside warm tortillas. They pair beautifully with Breakfast Tacos (Eggs With Chile) for a hearty breakfast. Consider serving them with a side of Mexican Fiesta for a complete meal. Top with fresh cilantro or avocado for added flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also freeze the beans for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Border Beans contains roughly 580 calories, with 17g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (179% of the Daily Value), and calcium (141% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 988mg per serving (43% 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 this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, to make the Border Beans vegetarian, simply omit the salt pork. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to impart a smoky flavor. Additionally, you can enhance the dish by incorporating sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the number of chili pequin peppers or remove the seeds from them. For a milder option, consider substituting with jalapeños or adding a dollop of sour cream when serving to balance the heat.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Border Beans?
Border Beans pair well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with cornbread, such as Meatless Mexican Cornbread, for a comforting meal. A fresh salad with lime vinaigrette or a side of grilled vegetables are also great complements.
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).