Ingredients:

1 lb pinto beans (or any preferred beans)

6 cups water (for cooking beans)

1 medium onion (chopped)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1-2 jalapeños (sliced, adjust to taste)

2 medium tomatoes (chopped)

1 medium carrot (diced)

1 green bell pepper (chopped)

1-2 cups smoked sausage (sliced, optional)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

Soak the Beans:

Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and soak them overnight in plenty of water. If short on time, you can also do a quick soak by boiling them for 2 minutes and letting them sit covered for an hour.

Cook the Beans:

In a large pot, drain and rinse the soaked beans. Add 6 cups of fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the beans are tender. Add more water if needed.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In a separate skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, jalapeños, carrot, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.

Combine Ingredients:

Once the beans are cooked, add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with beans. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, smoked sausage (if using), cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Simmer:

Let the mixture simmer together for another 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve:

Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Frijoles Charros with warm tortillas or over rice!

Enjoy your delicious Frijoles Charros! 🌮✨

This hearty dish is perfect as a side or as a main course and is packed with flavor and nutrition!