Ah beans, one of the most wellknown Mexican foods. And the real OG of beans in Mexico is Boiled Beans “Frijoles de la Olla”. Boiled pinto beans to be exact.
Boiled beans is one of the first things kids learn to make in my family because it’s so easy, it’s a 4 step process. Super simple.
They’re 1 half of the Mexican version of P&J, R&B, Rice &Beans.
A little bit of info….
Frijoles de la Olla literally translates to “Beans from the Pot”.
Every Mexican household has an “olla de los frijoles” a pot, well the only pot, used to boil the beans. One of the things my mom made sure to give me after getting married was an olla de los frijoles. She actually gave me the one she used because she knew it makes the perfect pot of beans.
Gracias Ma!
Funny Story….
I remember one day my mom was making a pot of boiled beans and my dad decided he wanted to change it up a bit, add a little extra for add flavor. And what did he decide to add? An onion! A whole raw onion! My mom and I were skeptical it would work out but we let him do his little experiment. Later for dinner we each got a serving of beans and quickly spit it back out.
That was one of the worst tasting things I’ve ever eaten. It still makes me laugh to this day. Dad ruined an entire pot of beans. Wasting beans is one of the worst things you can do in Mexican culture.
Mexican Classic Boiled Beans Recipe Instructions
First we clean (pick any pebbles, leaves dried or shriveled beans out of the amount we’re using) and wash the beans under cold water and set aside.
In a pot, bring water to roiling boil and add beans. Season with salt to taste.
Boil over medium high heat until softened about 1-1.5 hrs. (Keep an eye on the water level and add more water if needed. Beans should always be covered by water.)They are done when soft to the touch.
Classic Boiled Beans(Frijoles de la Olla)
The classic, traditional way to cook beans.
Ingredients
-2 cups pinto beans, cleaned
-8 cups water
-salt, to taste
Directions
1.Clean beans and rinse well under cold water.
2.In a pot, bring water to roiling boil and add beans. Add salt.
3.Boil over medium high heat until beans soften, about 1-1.5 hours.
4.Add more water as needed while beans boil. Beans should be covered by water.
