Pinto Bean

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Borracho means drunk, and it refers to the beer in the cooking liquid. If you're cooking beans and pork roast at the same time, you can use the fatty pieces of pork that you remove while carving to add flavor to the beans. Otherwise, use some bacon.

Just like some Mexican moles, this chili has a bit of chocolate in it. Serve sour cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese alongside.

Cilantro, sour cream, grated cheddar or Jack cheese, chopped red or green onion and salsa would be great toppings. Look for chorizo in the refrigerated meat or deli case.

To cut the spiciness, seed the jalapeño before adding it to the beans; garnish the dish with sour cream and chopped cilantro.

Chuckwagon cooks used to simmer beans for days, and the cowboys always thought they tasted best on the third day. This version, called frijoles de olla in Spanish, is even better reheated. The beans cook in flavorful juices that are also served with them.

Team these with grilled or broiled chicken, or add a green salad and some crusty whole wheat bread for a simple supper.

These can be made one day before serving.

The beans need to soak in water overnight, so start this recipe at least a day ahead.

Here's a chunky, hearty beef stew that's just right on a cold winter day.