3 Simple Steps to Make Boracho Beans at Home

Looking to impress at your next barbecue or just craving some comfort food? Look no further than Boracho Beans, or "Drunken Beans," a flavorful Mexican dish that adds a dash of beer to the usual bean recipe. Let's explore how to make these authentic Boracho Beans right in your kitchen with just three simple steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your ingredients:

• 1 lb of dry pinto beans, washed and sorted
• 6 cups of water
• 1 bottle of dark Mexican beer like Negra Modelo or Dos Equis
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
• 1 smoked ham hock or ¹⁄₄ lb thick-cut bacon, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon of cilantro, finely chopped

Step 1: Soaking and Cooking the Beans

Start by preparing your beans:

1. Rinse the dry beans under cold water and sort through to remove any debris or stones.
2. Soak beans overnight in water at least 3 inches above the beans to soften them.
3. Drain and rinse the beans after soaking.
4. In a large pot, combine the beans with the six cups of water and cook over medium-high heat.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and let the beans simmer for about 1-1.5 hours or until they’re tender but not mushy.

🍺 Note: If you’re short on time, use the quick soak method. Bring beans and water to a boil for two minutes, then cover and let sit for an hour before cooking.

Step 2: Flavor the Broth

Now it’s time to infuse the beans with flavor:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon or ham hock until slightly crispy. If using bacon, cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add onions, garlic, and jalapeños to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent and aromatic, around 5 minutes.
3. Add this mixture to your pot of simmering beans, along with the entire can of diced tomatoes, juice included.
4. Pour in the bottle of beer and stir gently. Let this cook for another 15-20 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 3: Season and Serve

Finalize your Boracho Beans with these steps:

1. Season the beans with salt, keeping in mind the beer and canned tomatoes might add some saltiness.
2. Add cilantro in the last 5 minutes of cooking. This preserves its flavor and aroma.
3. Continue to simmer the beans until they reach your desired consistency.
4. Once done, remove the ham hock if used, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. If using bacon, ensure it’s fully cooked.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve these Boracho Beans hot, garnished with additional cilantro, perhaps some queso fresco or lime wedges for extra zest. They pair wonderfully with cornbread, grilled meats, or simply as a hearty dish on their own.

After preparing Boracho Beans, you've not only created a delicious meal but also learned a traditional cooking method that can be adapted to various beans or added ingredients to suit your taste. Remember, the key to authentic Mexican Boracho Beans lies in the combination of flavors from the beer, beans, and spices. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for sharing with friends or family, or savoring on a cool evening.

Can I make Boracho Beans without alcohol?

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Yes, if you’re looking to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the beer with an equal amount of low-sodium broth or even water, though you might need to adjust seasoning to compensate for the lack of beer’s unique flavor profile.

How do I store leftover Boracho Beans?

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Store your leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months, just make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

What can I serve with Boracho Beans?

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Boracho Beans are incredibly versatile. They go great with tortillas, rice, grilled meats, or even just a side of fresh salsa and guacamole for a complete Mexican feast.