If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful side dish to complement your Mexican-inspired meals, this recipe is worth trying. It is a delightful blend of pinto beans, bacon, ham, and Pico de Gallo that brings a burst of savory and spicy flavors to your plate.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour (plus overnight soaking)
Servings: Approximately 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of uncooked bacon, cut into pieces
- 1 cup diced ham
- 14 ounces of pico de gallo
- 1 medium chopped onion
- 4 cups dried pinto beans
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Start by soaking the pinto beans overnight in a large bowl of water. Drain the water off before cooking.
- In a large pot, cook the pinto beans according to the package directions until they are tender. This typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
- While the beans are cooking, in a separate skillet, fry the bacon and diced ham until the bacon is crisp.
- Add the Pico de Gallo to the skillet with the bacon and ham. Stir well and sauté for about a minute until everything is well blended.
- Once the beans are cooked, drain any excess liquid and add them to a stockpot.
- Stir in the bacon, ham, Pico de Gallo mixture, and the chopped onion.
- Simmer the beans and the sauce together for about fifteen minutes, adding small amounts of water as needed to keep the mixture moist.
- Season with salt to suit your taste.
- Remove from heat and serve the Mexican Charro Beans warm alongside your favorite main dish.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 289
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
These nutritional values are provided as rough estimates and may differ depending on factors such as the specific brands of ingredients used and serving sizes.
Cooking Tips:
- Soaking the pinto beans overnight is essential, as it helps soften them and reduces cooking time.
- Adjust the spiciness by choosing a Pico de Gallo with the desired level of heat.
- If the mixture becomes too thick while simmering, add a little water to maintain the desired consistency.
- Serve Mexican Charro Beans alongside grilled meats, tacos, or as a delicious topping for nachos.
- Consider adding diced jalapeños for an extra kick if you prefer your beans spicy.