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Frijoles de la Olla (Mexican Beans) Recipe

Try this bean recipe for Frijoles de la Olla, which translates as "beans cooked in a pot," probably the most common dish in Mexico. Beans are one of the foundations of Mexican cooking.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs 15 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 45 mins
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 196 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of beans pintos, black beans, flor de mayo, flor de junio
  • ½ white onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 4 fresh epazote leaves or ½ teaspoon dried epazote
  • 1 teaspoon of salt add more to taste if required

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Check the beans for any stones or debris.
  2. In a colander, rinse the beans under cold water.
  3. Place the beans in the cooking pot and cover with 3 inches of water.
  4. Allow the beans to soak overnight.
  5. Discard the soaking water.
  6. Add cold water to cover the beans by 4 inches.
  7. Add the ½ white onion and 2 cloves of garlic.
  8. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
  9. Simmer the beans for 2 hours.
  10. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.
  11. Simmer for 30 more minutes.
  12. Taste the beans to verify that they are fully cooked and soft. If they are not soft enough cook for an additional 30 minutes.
  13. Adjust the salt to taste and serve.

Notes

  • Preparation Notes
  • Substitutions
  • Cooking time is approximate. Some beans need more time to fully cook and others need less.
  • A slow cooker or pressure cooker are great ways to cook beans.
  • Beans will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. You can freeze them but it will change the texture.
  • Buy your beans from a market that sells lots of beans. Fresh is better. The older the beans the tougher they will be.
  • You can make frijoles de la olla with pinto beans, black beans, flor de mayo. or flor de junio beans.
  • If you can't find epazote you can omit it or substitute Mexican oregano. The oregano changes the taste slightly but is still very good.

Nutrition Information

Calories 196kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 36g (12%) Protein 12g (24%) Fat 1g (2%) Sodium 326mg (14%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 196

% Daily Value*

Calories 196kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 36g 12%
Protein 12g 24%
Fat 1g 2%
Sodium 326mg 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.