Frijoles a la charra (savory beans)

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1cupPink beans, dried; or pinto
¼poundsPork rind, fresh; cut into
;small squares
¼Onion; sliced
2clovesGarlic; finely chopped
teaspoonSalt
¼poundsBacon; cut into small pieces
2tablespoonsLard; or pork drippings
2mediumsTomato; peeled, seeded and
;chopped, juice strained and
;reserved
3Serrano chilies; stemmed and
;finely chopped
2largesCoriander sprigs

Directions

Put the beans, pork-rind squares, onion and garlic into a bean pot or large saucepan. Add 6 cups of water and bring it to a boil.

Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the beans cook gently until they are tender, about 1½ hours. Add the salt and cook the beans, uncovered, for another 15 minutes.

In a separate pan, cook the bacon gently in the lard or drippings until it is slightly browned. Add the tomatoes with their juice, and stir in the chilies and coriander. Cook the tomato mixture over a fairly high heat for about 10 minutes, until it is well seasoned and thick.

Add the tomato mixture to the beans and let everything cook, uncovered, over low heat for about 15 minutes.

Serve in small individual bowls with grilled meat, or add some more liquid and serve as a soup. misc04 Source: Diana Kennedy; The Cuisines of Mexico MMed by: earl.cravens@...

Submitted By EARL CRAVENS On 12-24-94