Drunken Pintos with Cilantro and Bacon Rick Bayless
Infuse your kitchen with the bold, smoky aromas of "Drunken Pintos with Cilantro and Bacon," a signature recipe inspired by Rick Bayless. This dish transforms humble pinto beans into a rich, savory delight by simmering them in dark Mexican beer, crispy bacon, and aromatic garlic and onions. Perfectly tender beans are finished with fresh cilantro for a zesty pop of flavor and a touch of heat from optional hot sauce. Whether served as a comforting side dish or spooned over steaming rice, this recipe is ideal for cozy family dinners or as a crowd-pleasing addition to your next gathering. With its one-pot simplicity and layered Mexican flavors, it’s a must-try for bean lovers and culinary adventurers alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry pinto beans
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dark Mexican beer (such as Negra Modelo)
- 4 cups water
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 teaspoons optional hot sauce
Instructions
Sort through the dry pinto beans and remove any debris. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water.
Place the beans in a large pot and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight or use the quick soak method: bring the beans to a boil, boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let them sit for 1 hour.
Drain the soaked beans and set them aside.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until softened and golden.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the drained beans to the pot along with the beer, water, and salt. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if the beans begin to dry out.
Once the beans are fully cooked, stir in the cooked bacon, chopped cilantro, and optional hot sauce if desired.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or hot sauce as needed.
Serve warm as a side dish or over rice for a hearty meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
318 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.9 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 5 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 617 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 52.4 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.1 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.6 g | ||
| Protein | 19.0 g | 38% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 91 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 1016 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
