Mexican Bean Stew Frijoles De La Olla Recipes

FRIJOLES DE LA OLLA (MEXICAN PINTO BEANS RECIPE)

Steps:

• Stovetop Method: Place the dried beans in a large bowl and fill with water, covering the top of the beans by 2 inches. Let the beans soak overnight.
• When ready to cook, place the beans in a large 6-8 quart pot with a heavy lid. Add the onion wedges, garlic, and hambone if using.
• Pour in enough water to cover the beans by 3-4 inches. Set the heat on medium.
• Cover and bring to a simmer. Then reduce the heat and simmer on medium-low to low for 2-4 hours, until the beans are very soft. *Even after soaking overnight, beans take a varied amount of time, base on how old they are. "New" dried beans will cook faster than beans that have been sitting in the pantry for months/years.
• Once the beans are soft, remove the onion, garlic, and hambone. Stir in the pico de gallo. Taste, then salt as needed.
• Instant Pot Method: When using an electric pressure cooker, you do not have to soak the beans overnight.
• Place the beans in a 6+ quart Instant Pot. Add the onion wedges, garlic, and hambone if using.
• Add 5 cups of water. Lock the lid into place and set on Pressure Cook High for 35 minutes.
• Perform a natural release. Once the steam button drops, it is safe to open the lid. If the beans are still firm, you can Pressure Cook again for 5-10 minutes. Then perform a Quick Release.
• Once the beans are soft, remove the onion, garlic, and hambone. Stir in the pico de gallo. Taste, then salt as needed.
• Crock Pot Method: Place the dried beans in a large 6-8 quart slow cooker. Add the onion wedges, garlic, and hambone if using. Pour in 8 cups water. (You do not have to soak the beans for this method.)
• Set the crock pot on HIGH for 8-10 hours or on LOW for 15-17 hours. Once the beans are soft, remove the onion, garlic, and hambone. Stir in the pico de gallo. Taste, then salt as needed.

FRIJOLES DE LA OLLA TRADICIONAL (HOME COOKED BEANS)

Steps:

• Spread the beans on a baking sheet and check for stones, dirt clods or anything else you wouldn't care to eat. Scoop into a colander and rinse. If using a slow cooker, first pour the beans into a medium large pot, pour in 2 quarts of water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat; then pour into the slow cooker. Add the lard (or oil or bacon drippings), onion and, if using, the epazote or avocado leaves. (Lightly toast the avocado leaves in a dry skillet).
• Cook the beans in the slow cooker for at least 6 hours for the beans to become tender, though you can leave them cooking for up to 10 hours. When the beans are tender, stir in 1 ½ tsp salt and simmer for a few minutes longer. Taste and season with additional salt if needed. Remove the epazote or avocado leaves, if using, and the brothy beans are ready.

FRIJOLES DE LA OLLA

Steps:

• Rinse and sort the beans, discarding any broken pieces. Put in an olla or large, heavy pot, add 3 quarts water, and bring to a boil over high heat. This may take from 10 minutes in an enameled cast iron Dutch oven to 30 minutes in the traditional clay pot. When the water begins to bubble, immediately lower the heat to a gentle simmer and add the onion, garlic, and lard. Cover partially and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 to 2 hours. If the beans are not covered by at least 1 inch of water, add hot water. Add the epazote or cilantro, stir in the salt, and continue to simmer until the beans are almost soft, maybe 2 hours more. The centers of these beans should not be al dente.
• Taste and add more salt if needed, then remove the pot from the heat and spoon out and discard the onion, garlic, and herb sprigs. The beans are now ready to eat, though they will have even better flavor if allowed to sit for at least a few hours-or better yet, overnight- before reheating and serving. (They should be transferred to a storage container with the broth, covered, and stored in the refrigerator, where they will keep for at least 4 days.)
• Serve the beans in small bowls with plenty of the soupy broth and a dollop of the salsa, if desired. These beans can also be used to prepare other bean dishes, such as Frijoles Chinos o Fritos, Frijoles Puercos, or Frijoles Charros.

FRIJOLES DE LA OLLA ("CLAY POT" BEANS)

Steps:

• Pick through the beans to remove any dirt or stones, then place in a large colander and rinse thoroughly. Transfer the beans to a large bowl, cover with 3 quarts of water, and soak overnight in the refrigerator.
• Drain the beans, reserving the liquid. Measure the liquid and add water, if needed, to make 2 1/2 quarts. Place the beans in a stockpot or large clay olla. Add the onion, garlic, oil or lard, and the reserved soaking liquid.
• Bring to a simmer, adjusting the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Keep the beans covered with 1 inch of water as they cook, adding boiling water if needed. Remove the onion and garlic and season to taste with salt.