Authentic Mexican Frijoles Puercos

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, cubed 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, cubed
• 2 cups (400g) pinto beans, soaked overnight 2 cups (400g) pinto beans, soaked overnight
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the cubed pork shoulder to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Drain the soaked pinto beans and add them to the pot along with enough water to cover the ingredients.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, cumin powder, dried oregano, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the beans are cooked through.
6. 6.
   Once cooked, use a fork to mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken the sauce.
7. 7.
   Serve the Frijoles Puercos hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy with warm tortillas or rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pinto beans — Soaking the beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and ensures they cook evenly. Rinse the soaked beans before adding them to the recipe.
• Pork shoulder — Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder before cubing it. This will help prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeno peppers.
• If you prefer a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially puree the beans.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder and jalapeno peppers.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added richness.

Serving advice

Serve the Frijoles Puercos as a main dish accompanied by warm tortillas or rice. Offer toppings such as diced onions, chopped tomatoes, and fresh lime wedges for guests to customize their bowls.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Frijoles Puercos with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color. Serve it in individual bowls or a large serving dish, allowing the rich, aromatic aroma to entice your guests.