Traditional Mexican Resole: A Heartwarming Stew Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb of dried pinto beans
  • 2 quarts of water
  • 1 lb of diced ham
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • 6 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon of lard or vegetable oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the dried pinto beans in water overnight, then drain.
  2. In a large pot, heat the lard or vegetable oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the diced ham, chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced jalapeno to the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent.
  4. Add the soaked and drained pinto beans to the pot.
  5. Season the ingredients in the pot with salt, black pepper, cumin, dried oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
  8. Remove the bay leaf before serving the resole.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Needed to cook the resole.
  • Strainer - Used to drain the soaked pinto beans.
  • Chef's knife - Essential for chopping the onion, garlic, and jalapeno.
  • Cutting board - Provides a sturdy surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon - Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring spoons - Necessary for accurately measuring the salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  • Measuring cups - Used to measure the water, chicken broth, and dried pinto beans.
  • Soup ladle - Helps to serve the resole into bowls.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian option: Skip the diced ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Spicy variation: Increase the amount of jalapeno pepper or add additional spicy peppers like serrano or habanero.
  • Smoky flavor: Add a smoked ham hock or smoked sausage to the pot for a smoky taste.
  • Beans of choice: Substitute pinto beans with black beans, kidney beans, or navy beans.
  • Herb infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or cilantro for added flavor.
  • Customize the toppings: Serve with toppings such as sour cream, grated cheese, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.
  • Additional vegetables: Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or corn kernels to the soup for added texture and flavor.

Recipe overview

Resole is a heartwarming, comforting dish that originates from the American Southwest and Northern Mexico. This flavorful stew is primarily made with pinto beans and ham, which are simmered together with a medley of spices and seasonings to create a dish that's not only filling but also packed with protein. The addition of jalapeno pepper gives it just a hint of heat. This recipe requires a bit of forward planning as the beans need to soak overnight, but the actual cooking process is simple and straightforward, making it a great option for a family meal or for entertaining guests. So get your pot ready, because once you start cooking, the tempting aroma of resole will fill your kitchen and have everyone eager to eat.

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans? No, it is recommended to use dried pinto beans for this recipe as they provide a better texture and flavor to the resole.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ham? Yes, you can substitute the diced ham with other types of meat such as bacon, sausage, or even leftover cooked chicken.
  3. How spicy is this resole? The resole has a mild to medium level of spiciness. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeno peppers or cayenne pepper according to your preference.
  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian/vegan? Yes, you can omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian or vegan version of resole.
  5. Do I need to soak the beans overnight? Yes, soaking the beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce the cooking time. If you're short on time, you can also use the quick soak method by boiling the beans for 2 minutes and then letting them soak for 1 hour.
  6. How long does it take for the beans to cook? The beans should be tender and fully cooked after simmering for about 2 hours. However, cooking time may vary depending on the freshness of the beans, so it's recommended to taste and check for tenderness before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the resole soup and accommodate all the ingredients.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is useful for chopping the onion, garlic, and jalapeno pepper.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary for dicing the ham, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic and jalapeno pepper.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the soup while it simmers.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the salt, black pepper, cumin, dried oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  • Soup ladle - A soup ladle is useful for serving the resole soup into bowls.
  • Soup bowls - Soup bowls are needed to serve the resole soup.

Origin stories

Resole, sometimes known as "Charro Beans" or "Cowboy Beans," is a traditional Mexican dish that has been savored for generations. Laden with hearty pinto beans and spiced to perfection, this beloved soup was initially made by cowboys on the Mexican frontier, who would cook it over a blazing campfire. The cowboys would use simple, readily available ingredients, such as beans and scraps of meat, adding in wild herbs and spices for flavor. Over time, this humble, rustic dish found its way into the kitchens of Mexican families, where it was passed down through generations and continues to grace dinner tables to this day. The dish's deep flavors reflect the rich history and vibrant culture of Mexico, offering a heart-warming taste of tradition in every spoonful.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.