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

Make Frijoles a la Chara (optional step)

1. Bring 4-5 cups water to boil in a medium saucepan
2. Add a pinch of salt, along with all other ingredients (add dried oregano and pepper according to taste)
3. 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)
4. Remove from heat & set aside

Cook Chili

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high
2. Add ground beef & brown until it is almost cooked through, about 10 minutes
3. Strain the beef to drain most of the grease (but reserve a little)
4. 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
5. Add remaining spices, canned tomatoes & beans (cooked beans of choice, or Frijoles a la Chara - recipe above)
6. Cover & simmer on low heat, 30-60 minutes

Assemble Pies

1. Cut the side of an individual sized bag of Fritos®
2. Ladle in a couple scoops of chili
3. Stop with shredded cheese & diced onions
4. Serve with a spoon & napkins and enjoy immediately!