Best Easy Frijoles de Olla Recipe

Simple pot beans slow-cooked with onion, garlic, and a sprig of epazote until tender. This vegetarian, protein-rich staple is the foundation of healthy Mexican family cooking.

Cook 180 min Difficulty EASY 210 kcal
#vegetarian #protein rich #Mexican staple #healthy beans
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • dried pinto beans 2 cups
  • yellow onion 1 medium
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • epazote sprig 1 sprig
  • water 8 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 1.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 34 g 65%
Protein 12 g 23%
Fat 2.5 g 12%
Serving size 200g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Sort and rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly, discarding any debris or damaged beans.

  2. 2

    Place beans in a large pot and add the 8 cups of water. Let soak for at least 8 hours or overnight for optimal texture.

  3. 3

    Drain and rinse soaked beans, then return to the pot with fresh water. Add peeled, halved onion, whole garlic cloves, and the epazote sprig.

  4. 4

    Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally and skimming any foam.

  5. 5

    Check beans for doneness—they should be tender and creamy. Add salt in the last 20 minutes of cooking, then remove the epazote and onion before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient in Frijoles de Olla is the dried pinto beans, which give the dish its distinctive creamy texture and earthy flavor. Slow-cooking with aromatics like onion and garlic further defines its classic taste.
Q. How do I ensure the beans cook evenly and become tender?
Soaking the beans overnight and maintaining a gentle simmer during cooking are essential for even doneness. Make sure to add salt only in the last 20 minutes—adding it earlier can toughen the skins.
Q. What is the best way to avoid mushy or undercooked beans?
Monitor the simmer closely: keep the heat on low after boiling and stir occasionally. Test the beans starting at the 2-hour mark and stop cooking when they’re creamy but hold their shape—overcooking leads to splitting.
Q. How nutritious is one serving of Frijoles de Olla?
Each 200g serving provides about 210 kcal, with 34g carbohydrates (65%), 12g protein (23%), and 2.5g fat (12%), making it a protein-rich, low-fat vegetarian staple.
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