Borracho Beans are the perfect addition to any Tex-Mex meal or backyard BBQ! The beans have a rich, bold flavor and satisfyingly tender texture. The beans simmer in a blend of spices and a generous amount of beer. If you like an easy side dish recipe, these beans will not disappoint. Plus, they are full of protein and fiber, making them a guilt-free indulgence for any occasion. So treat yourself to a bowl of these mouth-watering beans and get ready for a fiesta in your mouth!
What are Borracho Beans?
If you like flavorful and hearty Tex-Mex cuisine, then try Borracho Beans! These beans cook in a rich and robust broth infused with beer. It gives them a distinctive and irresistible taste. They are a popular dish in South Texas. They are often served alongside grilled meats or as a main dish with some crusty bread.
What sets Borracho Beans apart from other bean dishes is the addition of beer to the cooking process. It not only adds a delightful depth of flavor but also tenderizes the beans. The beer can be of any type, but darker beers like stouts or porters work particularly well.
One of the best things about Borracho Beans is how versatile they are. Any kind of bean is appropriate. Customize the flavor. Add ingredients like onion, bacon, spices, jalapeños, and tomatoes.
So, if you want a delicious and easy-to-prepare Tex-Mex dish, look to Borracho Beans. Filled with flavor, protein, and wholesome ingredients, they will satisfy any appetite. So grab a cold beer and get cooking!
Borracho Beans With My Family
Borracho beans were a staple in our household, especially as a child. They were easy to make, used simple ingredients, and inexpensive.
Growing up, my family made them on New Year’s Eve. We would eat them before celebrating. The meal set the mood for the festivities to come. It was a family tradition I looked forward to all year.
I remember my mom preparing the dish in her cast iron pan. She used plenty of dark beer. The beans would simmer in the beer broth until the flavors combined. The creamy pinto beans were delicious when served with rice. Now, they are one of my favorite ways to prepare beans. The aroma that filled the house while she cooked the beans was unforgettable. Even now, when I smell something similar, it brings back happy memories.
When I make borracho beans, I enjoy reminiscing about my childhood. For me, nothing beats borracho beans for a nostalgic and delicious meal.
How To Prepare Dried Beans
Why cook dried beans when you can buy them canned? For one thing, dried pinto beans are cheaper. A pound of dried beans will yield about six cups of cooked beans, equivalent to four cans. While canned beans are convenient, dried beans allow you to customize the flavor.
Soak the Beans:
Soaking will reduce the cooking time. The quick method and the overnight soak are two methods of preparing the beans. For the quick one, rinse the dried beans and put them in a pot covered with water. Bring the water to a boil. Remove them from the heat. Cover the beans and let them sit for an hour. For the overnight soak, rinse the beans and put them in a pot with enough water to cover them by a couple of inches. Soak them for at least eight hours or overnight.
Different Ways to Cook the Beans:
There are a few ways to cook the beans.
Boil: Bring the beans to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for one to two hours or until the beans are tender.
Use a Pressure Cooker of Instant Pot: Pressure cookers are great for cooking beans. They significantly reduce cooking time.
Use a Slow Cooker or Crock Pot: These pots maintain consistent temperatures. Prep them in the morning before work. The beans will be ready when you get home.
Try a Dutch Oven: Prepare and bake the beans in a Dutch oven. This one-pot borracho method cleans up easily.
What can you do with the cooked beans? The possibilities are endless! You can use them in soups, stews, chili, burritos, salads, and more.
Ingredients For 30 Minute Borracho Beans
- 8 oz. chopped bacon
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 seeded and chopped jalapeno
- 2-cloves minced garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp. oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 3 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 cans of pinto beans
- 1-can of drained diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. pepper
- 12 oz. dark lager beer
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
How to Make Borracho Beans
- Add the bacon to a pot and cook over medium-high heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon.
- Drain the grease, reserving 2 tbsp.
- Add the onion and jalapeno, and cook until they soften.
- Add the garlic.
- Incorporate the oregano, cumin, and chili powder.
- Add the tomato paste and mix well.
- Stir in the tomatoes, salt, pepper, beer, and broth.
- Add the beans.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
What to Serve with Borracho Beans
30-minute Borracho Beans go with many meals. I like to serve them with cooked rice, tortillas, and a side dish of guacamole. They also go well with Empanadas with Argentine Picadillo and Fish Tacos with Lime Crema.
Borracho Bean Tips
Borracho beans are a southwestern tradition. These tips will help you create a delicious and unforgettable meal every time.
Use the Right Beans:
To create authentic borracho beans, use the right beans. Pinto beans are the best choice. They have a creamy texture and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients well. Experiment with black beans, kidney beans, or cannellini beans.
Add Some Booze:
Borracho means “drunken.” One of the most distinctive features of drunken beans is the addition of beer. The alcohol not only adds a unique flavor but also tenderizes the beans. You can choose any beer, but Mexican beers like Tecate, Dos Equis, or Modelo are popular.
Spice It Up:
Cumin, paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper add a kick to the dish. Use these spices sparingly, as you don’t want to overpower the other flavors.
Do not Forget Bacon:
Bacon is a classic ingredient in borracho beans. It adds a rich, smoky flavor. You can use any bacon you like, but thick-cut works best. Cook it in a skillet until crispy, then crumble it into the beans.
Borracho beans are a delicious and versatile dish. These tips can take your recipe to the next level and create a meal everyone will love. So, grab your beans, beer, bacon, and spices, and get cooking!
Other Bean Recipes
Do you want to switch things up? Here are some solutions for you! Check out these top picks.
Black Bean and Corn Salad:
This fresh and zesty salad has all the flavors of borracho beans but with a lighter twist. The combination of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and onions makes this dish a perfect side dish. Use this salad as a topping for tacos, burritos, and more.
Spanish Rice and Beans:
This classic side dish is an excellent alternative. It is easy to make and pairs well with Mexican cuisine. The recipe has beans, rice, tomato sauce, and spices like cumin and chili powder.
Grilled Corn and Beans:
You cannot go wrong with grilled corn on the cob. The smoky and sweet flavors added to borracho beans make a delicious side dish. Add some chili powder and butter for an extra kick of flavor.
Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa:
Quinoa is a super-food that is healthy and delicious. Mix quinoa with beans, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños. It is refreshing and flavorful.
Stuffed Bell Peppers:
Combine ground beef with cooked rice, onions, and black beans. Stuff the peppers with this mixture. Top it off with some cheese and bake until golden brown.
Many delicious bean recipes can add a new flavor profile to your meals. Give these a try, and let me know which was your favorite!
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