Makes up to 16 Frito Pies
Ingredients
For Frijoles a la Chara (optional)
- 4-5 cups water
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups dried pinto beans, rinsed
- salt
- ½ onion, diced
- dried oregano
- black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp red chili powder
- ½ cup diced salt pork
- 2-3 sprigs cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, quartered
For Chili
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean/15% fat suggested)
- salt & pepper
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2-3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 medium red bell pepper, minced
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 1 plum tomato, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, minced
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp New Mexican chili powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups cooked beans (Amanda's Frijoles a la Chara suggested, see below)
For Pies
- individual sized bags of Fritos®
- shredded cheddar cheese
- diced onion
Equipment
- strainer
- scissors
- plastic spoons & napkins
How-to
Make Frijoles a la Chara (optional step)
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Bring 4-5 cups water to boil in a medium saucepan
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Add a pinch of salt, along with all other ingredients (add dried oregano and pepper according to taste)
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reduce heat & simmer over medium-low for 1½ - 2 hours, or until beans are soft, maintaining ¼" of liquid over the beans while cooking (if low, add more water)
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Remove from heat & set aside
Cook Chili
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high
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Add ground beef & brown until it is almost cooked through, about 10 minutes
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Strain the beef to drain most of the grease (but reserve a little)
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Return beef to pot & add salt, pepper, garlic, chili powder, bell pepper, onion, plum tomatoes, & jalapeño. Cook until vegetables are tender, and onion is translucent, about 4-5 minutes
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Add remaining spices, canned tomatoes & beans (cooked beans of choice, or Frijoles a la Chara - recipe above)
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Cover & simmer on low heat, 30-60 minutes
Assemble Pies
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Cut the side of an individual sized bag of Fritos®
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Ladle in a couple scoops of chili
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Stop with shredded cheese & diced onions
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Serve with a spoon & napkins and enjoy immediately!