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Black Beans with Bacon and Tequila

Black Beans with Bacon and Tequila

Tequila complements the smokiness of the cured meat, while chipotle chilies add spice.

  • Makes
    6 servings
  • Cook Time
    1¼ hours
  • Slow Cook Time
    7½ to 8½ hours
  • Active time plus cooling
    30 minutes active
  • Rating

Borracho beans, or “drunken beans,” are beans cooked with flavorful alcohol, along with bacon or ham. Tequila complements the smokiness of the cured meat, while chipotle chilies add spice. But save your top-shelf tequila for sipping; any inexpensive tequila works well here (however, if you prefer, you can omit it entirely). Offer the beans as a side to any Tex-Mex or Mexican-style main, or use them as a filling in tacos and burritos. Or make a light meal by serving with rice, sour cream and salsa. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; when reheating, thin with broth or water to the desired consistency.

Tip

Don't soak the black beans. In the Instant Pot, the unsoaked beans will be plump and tender after only 35 minutes of pressure cooking or after 7 to 8 hours of slow cooking. Soaked beans will end up overdone if cooked for the same amount of time.

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Black Beans with Bacon and Tequila | Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street | Recipes, TV and Cooking Tips