Garay'S Santa Maria Beans
Garay's Santa Maria Beans are a hearty, flavorful dish featuring small red beans slow-cooked with smoky chipotle chiles, aromatic garlic, cilantro, and tender ham hock. Perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings, this recipe offers a rich, spicy taste with a hint of smoked ham that appeals to bean lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pick over and wash the beans, draining well.
- Place the beans in a 6 to 8-quart kettle.
- Cover the beans with water.
- Bury the ham hock in the beans.
- Add sliced onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and 2 teaspoons of salt.
- Cut the top off the tea bag and add the tea leaves to the mixture.
- Add one or two canned Chipotle chiles in Adobo sauce, depending on taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover and reduce the heat to simmer.
- Add boiling water as needed to keep the beans just slightly covered with water.
- Simmer for at least two hours until beans are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika along with the Chipotle chiles. If you can’t find Poquito beans, substitute with small red beans or even black beans for a different taste. Soaking the beans overnight can reduce cooking time, but it's not necessary. Adjust the heat level by varying the number of chiles based on your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Garay's Santa Maria Beans as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats, or as a filling for tacos or burritos. They pair beautifully with Mexican Quiche or can be enjoyed over rice for a complete meal. Garnish with additional cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. These beans also freeze well; just ensure they are cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garay'S Santa Maria Beans contains roughly 352 calories, with 12g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (177% of the Daily Value), and calcium (142% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 955mg per serving (42% 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 use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned beans for a quicker preparation. If using canned, reduce the cooking time significantly and add the canned beans during the last 30 minutes of simmering to heat through and absorb the flavors.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make Garay's Santa Maria Beans vegetarian, simply omit the ham hock and replace it with a smoked vegetable broth or additional spices like liquid smoke to mimic the flavor. You can also add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra depth.
What can I serve with these beans?
These beans are versatile! They pair well with cornbread, rice, or can be used as a filling in a Chalupa. Consider serving them with a side of Pico de Gallo and guacamole for a complete Mexican meal experience.
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).