Frijoles A La Charra(Beans)
Frijoles A La Charra is a hearty Mexican bean dish infused with smoky bacon, flavorful sausage, fresh tomatoes, jalapenos, and herbs, perfect for gatherings and comfort meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the pinto beans, place them in a large pot with water, and boil until cooked (covered).
- Fry the bacon in a skillet until cooked, then remove all grease drippings and discard the grease.
- Add the cooked bacon to the cooked beans and stir under low-medium heat.
- Fry the sausage slices in the skillet until browned.
- Remove all grease drippings from the skillet and discard the grease.
- Add the cooked sausage slices to the beans and stir under low-medium heat.
- In the skillet, sauté tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno peppers, and margarine.
- Add the sautéed mixture to the cooked beans and stir.
- Let the beans simmer for 30 minutes so that flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you're out of pinto beans, black beans or kidney beans can make a good substitute. Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot jalapenos based on your preference. To save time, use pre-cooked bacon and sausage from the deli section.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Frijoles A La Charra hot with warm tortillas or over a bed of Spanish Rice(Use Microwave) for a hearty meal. They also make a great filling for burritos or nachos. Pair with a fresh salad or guacamole for a complete feast, and don't forget to serve with a side of Chile Cornbread Fiesta to soak up the delicious juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Frijoles A La Charra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water if they seem dry. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frijoles A La Charra(Beans) contains roughly 305 calories, with 6g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 569mg per serving (25% 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 dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make Frijoles A La Charra vegetarian by omitting the bacon and sausage. Instead, consider adding smoked paprika or a bit of liquid smoke to replicate a smoky flavor. You can also enhance the dish with additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
How long do the beans need to soak?
If you're using dry pinto beans, it's best to soak them in water overnight to help them cook evenly and reduce cooking time. If you're short on time, a quick soak method involves boiling the beans for 2 minutes, then letting them sit for an hour before cooking.
What can I serve with Frijoles A La Charra?
Frijoles A La Charra pairs beautifully with sides like rice, cornbread, or even a simple salad. You can also serve them alongside grilled meats or as a filling for tacos. For a fun twist, try serving them as a topping for nachos or alongside Ziti And Mexican Meat Sauce.
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).