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Frijoles Charros are creamy pinto beans are cooked with bacon and chorizo to get that smokey, spicy flavor and a mirapoix of celery, carrot and onion add a richness. Topped with crumbed cotija and crispy fried tortilla strips, you've got a family friendly meal in a bowl.
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Frijoles Charros

Creamy, pinto beans slow cooked with chorizo and bacon topped with crunchy tortilla strips and cotija cheese.
Course: Appetizer, Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Appetizers, Bean Dip, Game Day Food, Pinto Beans
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. bacon cut into lardons
  • 8 oz. chorizo ground
  • 2 cups yellow onion diced
  • 1 cup celery ribs and leaves, diced
  • 1 cup carrot diced
  • 1 tsp. garlic minced
  • 8 cups or 4 - 16 oz. cans pinto beans
  • ½ tsp. cumin
  • ½ tsp. oregano
  • ½ tsp. chili powder
  • ½ serrano pepper minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Garnish:
  • Cotija cheese
  • Cilantro
  • Tortilla chips

Instructions

  • Heat a large cast iron or heavy bottomed pot over medium heat.
  • Brown bacon and chorizo, stirring continuously about 10 minutes.
  • Add onion, celery, carrot and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add beans, cumin, oregano, chili powder and serrano pepper.
  • Add broth and simmer over medium low heat for 45 minutes.
  • If desired, using an immersion blender, blend ¼ to ½ of the soup. This will give a nice texture to the soup, but is not necessary.
  • Garnish with cotija cheese, cilantro and tortilla chips.