Directions: |
Directions:You can make this for any amount of people, depending on what size package(s) of beans you use, and if you have a lot leftover, you can freeze it for later. The proportions of the ingredients don't really matter that much.
If someone that you are feeding does not like spicy foods, substitute chopped fresh or canned tomatoes instead of the Salsa.
In order to get the "gas" out of the beans, you want to clean them (take out any beans that are black or little pieces of dirt) and then 1) soak them in a large pot of cold water overnight and then pour off the water and/or 2) bring them to a boil and then turn off the stove and let them sit for 45 minutes and then pour off the water. I do both things if I have time. The gas ends up in the water, not in your tummy.
So, now that your beans are de-gassed, put them in a big pot with about four times as much water as beans, cover, and bring them to a simmer, and lower the heat so that they stay just barely simmering, with the lid cracked a little so they don't boil over.
While you are waiting for the simmer, cut the onions into quarters or eighths, depending on how big they are and toss them in.
Add the two cloves of garlic (you can leave them whole) if you like garlic.
Chop the bacon into 1 inch pieces and toss it in, you don't have to separate the slices, it willl happen by itself. If you use sausage instead, just slice it and toss it in.
After the beans have simmered for about an hour, add the salsa or the tomatoes, and then simmer them for another two hours at least (I allow 4 hours total cooking time) until the beans are soft. If the water seems to be boiling down too far in the process, add a little.
About a half hour before they are done, add the bunch of fresh cilantro (all of it), chopped, and salt the beans to taste. The salt will bring out the flavor.
When you are finished, there should be about three quarters beans to one quarter liquid in the pot. They can be served on a plate with the rest of the meal or like a soup in a bowl. I like them on top of rice. |
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Notes: |
Personal
Notes: If you are a vegetarian, you will probably want both the garlic and the salsa, and leave the meat out. If you are worried about fat, just use the leanest parts of the bacon or use lean sausage.
To make Mexican rice to go with it, put a few tablespoons of Knorr's powdered "Consomate de Pollo" (tomato and chicken broth, comes in a jar) in the water you make your rice with. It's cheating, but it's the best!
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This recipe for Tejano Beans is from