Welsh-Style Frijoles Charros

Ingredients

In this Welsh adaptation of frijoles charros, we incorporate traditional Welsh ingredients and flavors. Instead of using Mexican chorizo, we substitute it with smoky bacon, which adds a distinct Welsh touch. Additionally, we enhance the flavors with a blend of Welsh herbs and spices, such as thyme and rosemary, to infuse the dish with a unique Welsh twist. We alse have the original recipe for Frijoles charros, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) dried pinto beans 2 cups (400g) dried pinto beans
• 6 slices of smoky bacon, diced 6 slices of smoky bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and soak them overnight in a large bowl of water.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. 4.
   Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot along with the cooked bacon, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, bay leaf, and vegetable broth.
5. 5.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 2 hours or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — Choose a smoky bacon variety to add a distinct Welsh flavor to the dish. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the bacon and use a smoky seasoning or liquid smoke for a similar flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a thicker consistency, mash some of the cooked beans with a fork or blend a small portion of the mixture before serving.
• Serve the Welsh-Style Frijoles Charros with crusty bread or traditional Welsh cakes for a complete meal.
• Customize the dish by adding diced vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique Welsh twist on this classic dish.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an even more flavorful meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Welsh-Style Frijoles Charros as a main course accompanied by crusty bread or as a side dish alongside traditional Welsh dishes like lamb cawl or Welsh rarebit.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve it in a rustic bowl or on a Welsh-themed platter to enhance the presentation.