Close-up shot of Frijoles Charros in a clay pot, garnished with cilantro and onions, showcasing the rich texture and vibrant colors of this iconic Mexican dish.
For those who appreciate the robust flavors of Mexican cuisine, understanding the essence of “Charros Mexican” is key to unlocking a deeper culinary experience. The term “charro” itself is deeply rooted in Mexican culture, referring to the iconic horsemen, or cowboys, of Mexico. This heritage is beautifully represented in one of Mexico’s most beloved and hearty dishes: Frijoles Charros, often simply known as Charro Beans. If you are already a fan of pinto beans, and have perhaps tried simple preparations like Instant Pot Pinto Beans, then preparing them as Frijoles Charros will elevate your appreciation to a whole new level.
Frijoles Charros is more than just a bean soup; it’s a flavorful journey into Mexican tradition. The name itself, linking it to the “charros mexican”, immediately evokes images of ranch life and robust, satisfying meals. You might also hear this dish referred to as “cowboy beans,” further emphasizing its connection to the charro culture. To delve deeper into the origins and history of frijoles charros, numerous articles detail its rich background and evolution as a staple in Mexican gastronomy.
What makes Frijoles Charros so special is the combination of humble pinto beans with a generous assortment of meats. Imagine the smoky aroma and savory taste of crispy bacon mingling with the spicy kick of chorizo, complemented by the subtle flavors of sliced hotdogs and ham. This is the heart of Frijoles Charros – a hearty and flavorful dish passed down through generations in Mexican households. It’s a testament to the resourceful and flavorful cooking style associated with “charros mexican” traditions.
While Frijoles Charros makes a complete and fulfilling dinner on its own, its versatility extends beyond the main course. It is frequently served as a side dish, especially alongside grilled meats like carne asada or as a perfect accompaniment to tacos. Its popularity also shines at gatherings, parties, and BBQs, where its hearty nature and crowd-pleasing flavors are always a hit. Embrace the “charros mexican” spirit by bringing this dish to your next cookout!
Crafting Authentic Frijoles Charros: A Step-by-Step Guide
To embark on your own Frijoles Charros adventure, you’ll first need a base of 5 to 6 cups of cooked pinto beans, including their flavorful cooking liquid. For those who prefer a quick and easy method, recipes for Instant Pot Pinto Beans are readily available and provide a perfect starting point.
Begin by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large pot or a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add about ¼ cup of diced onion and sauté until it becomes softened and fragrant, releasing its aromatic oils. For those who enjoy a touch of heat reminiscent of bold “charros mexican” flavors, consider adding a diced jalapeño at this stage, sautéing it alongside the onion to infuse the base with a subtle spice.
Next, introduce 5 slices of diced bacon to the pot. Cook the bacon over medium heat until it begins to crisp and render its fat, adding a layer of smoky depth that is characteristic of authentic Frijoles Charros and “charros mexican” cooking.
Close-up shot of Frijoles Charros in a clay pot, garnished with cilantro and onions, showcasing the rich texture and vibrant colors of this iconic Mexican dish.
Once the bacon has achieved a slightly crispy texture, add ¼ to ½ pound of chorizo to the pot. Break the chorizo apart with a spoon and cook it thoroughly, ensuring it’s evenly distributed and releases its signature spicy and savory notes into the developing soup. The combination of bacon and chorizo is a hallmark of “charros mexican” cuisine, delivering a powerful flavor punch.
Following the chorizo, add 4 sliced hot dogs to the mixture and sauté them with the other ingredients for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. For an even heartier version, and staying true to richer “charros mexican” variations, you can also incorporate 4 slices of diced ham at this point.
If the bacon and chorizo have rendered a significant amount of fat, it’s advisable to carefully remove some of the excess oil using a large spoon. This step ensures the soup isn’t overly greasy while retaining all the desirable flavors.
Now, pour in the cooked pinto beans along with enough of their liquid to achieve a thick, soup-like consistency. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Finally, add 3 sprigs of fresh cilantro to the beans and continue to simmer for another 2 minutes. This final touch of cilantro infuses a bright, herbaceous note into the soup, completing the flavor profile. Taste the Frijoles Charros and season with salt and pepper as needed, adjusting to your personal preference. Seasoning is key to bringing out the best in “charros mexican” recipes.
Serve your homemade Frijoles Charros in generous bowls as a satisfying dinner or as a flavorful side dish. Consider topping it with sour cream, a dollop of salsa, or pickled jalapeños for added zest. Warm tortillas on the side are the perfect accompaniment, allowing you to scoop up every last bit of this delicious and authentic “charros mexican” inspired meal. Enjoy!
Recipe
Frijoles Charros (Mexican Charro Beans)
By Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
Frijoles Charros (Mexican Charro Beans) is a traditional, hearty, and delicious pinto bean soup that is filled with crispy bacon, spicy chorizo and other tasty ingredients, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of “charros mexican” culture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 5-6 cups cooked pinto beans (with liquid)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ diced onion
- 1 diced jalapeño (optional, see recipe)
- 5 slices of bacon, diced
- ¼-1/2 lb chorizo
- 4 sliced hot dogs
- 4 pieces sliced ham (optional, see recipe)
- 3-4 sprigs of cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- First, you will need 5-6 cups of cooked pinto beans (with liquid). Click here for my recipe for Instant Pot Pinto Beans.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and fragrant. For a spicy version, add a diced jalapeño and sauté along with the onion.
- Next, add the diced bacon and cook on medium heat until it begins to crisp up.
- Once the bacon is a little crispy, add the chorizo. Break the chorizo up with a spoon and cook through.
- Add the sliced hot dogs and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. You can also add the sliced ham here if using.
- If the bacon and the chorizo have released too much fat, then use a large spoon to carefully remove some of the oil.
- Add in the pinto beans with enough liquid to create a thick soup. Bring the soup to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Finally add the cilantro and simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the cilantro flavor to infuse into the soup.
- Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve in a big bowl for dinner or as a side dish. Top with sour cream, salsa, or pickled jalapeños and serve with warm tortillas, embracing the flavors of “charros mexican” tradition.
Did you try this recipe? Leave me a comment and star rating below or mention @everydaylatina on Instagram!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link.
My Amazon Picks
