Pot O' Beans

A hearty pot of slowly simmered black or pinto beans cooked with charred onions and jalapeño for deep, rich flavor. This traditional Mexican-style preparation uses lard for authenticity but can be made with vegetable oil.

6 servings
3 hr 20 min

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 whole jalapeño
  • 1 sprig epazote
  • 1 pound dried black beans or pinto beans
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat lard in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until edges are charred, 8-10 minutes.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, cook jalapeño in a small dry skillet over high heat, turning occasionally, until blackened, 8-10 minutes; cut a slit in jalapeño.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Add jalapeño, epazote sprig, if desired, and beans to pot; add water to cover by 2". Simmer, partially covered, until beans are creamy, 2-3 hours (depending on freshness of beans). Season with salt and cook 15 minutes longer; discard epazote.

    180 min