"Let love be genuine. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." Romans 12: 9-13

Teresa Smith is wife to Rob, mom to Nate and Jacob, and loves to cycle with her husband on their Ferrari Red Co-Motion Tandem. Her passion for this blog is to help make life simple living on a gluten free diet with delicious recipes that she has adapted to be gluten free. She and her husband are missionary staff with FamilyLife Ministries in Little Rock, Arkansas.

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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Borracho Beans with Meredith





My friend Meredith is the daughter of our dear friends, Harry & Melanie Li. Their family moved here in 2002 to help pastor the multi-ethnic, Mosaic Church. Our friendship began 17 years ago in Idaho while Rob & I were serving as deacons of hospitality in our church. Our first evening together was food and fellowship as we welcomed the Li's. Meredith has been a BIG fan of my beans over the years, so it was time we got together to create. Now she can have them whenever she wants!

One of my favorite things in the world is to ignite a passion in woman (and girls) to exercise hospitality. Scripture contains plenty of references speaking to the subject of hospitality. It seems to be a lost art today. The early church ate together, going house to house, breaking bread. It's like hospitality has fallen out of favor. We live in such a manic society, over burdened with busy activities. We have little time to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. We love one another best when we share our home, a safe place around the dinner table. Our most prized possessions include our time, privacy, friendship, fellowship and refreshment. "When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality". (Romans 12:13 NLT)

Meredith was a delight to work with in the kitchen. I hope this recipe will encourage you to exercise some hospitality in your home.

Oh! Did I mention these beans go nicely with tacos, enchiladas, fish tacos, just to name a few. Or you can enjoy them like a bowl of ice cream, like Meredith!


Dry pinto beans just waiting to be yummified!


After you have soaked them overnight, cover them with water, add salt and start to simmer.


Lots of fresh garlic!


This is how they look after they have simmered for 3 to 4 hours until nice and soft.

Fry up some bacon


Meredith and I discussing how best to chop an onion. :)

She did great! Didn't even cry! (or bleed)


Into the bacon grease they go.

Cook until translucent and soft.


Fresh cilantro is key. Be sure to remove the stems before chopping.


Saute it all together.

Add the onion, cilantro, and torn up bacon to the beans.

I had some fresh garden tomatoes from my sweet neighbor Debbie. Thank you Debbie! It was actually supposed to be our garden, but I gave up on it, glad she didn't!

Tomatoes in the pot.

A few pickled or fresh jalapenos for added flavor.

I really think the beans tasted better because Meredith was cooking!

Yep! The connoisseur gave her stamp of approval.


This darling face is after her 2nd bowl full.


I told her if she came to cook she could take home her very own container of beans.
Wonder if she shared them with her family?

Borracho Beans

1 lb. Dry pinto beans

Soak overnight in large pot covered with water

Next day:

Drain water and refill to cover beans.

Add:

1 Tbps. Salt

5-6 minced garlic cloves

Bring to boil and reduce heat to simmer for 2-4 hours until beans are tender. Checking on water to make sure they don’t dry out. I usually add water during the cook time. These need to be very brothy.

Fry:

4 strips bacon, remove and crumble

In bacon grease sauté:

½ large onion, chopped

½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Remove and strain from grease and add to beans.

Add:

1 chopped tomato

Jalepenos to taste

Serve and enjoy!!


1 comments:

Melanie Li said...

Mrs.Smith,
thank you so much for letting me help in the kitchen! I actually did let my family have some but not all! I took most of the beans!(They were delicious!) Thank you again and let me know if you need help in the kitchen! -Meredith :D