Here’s a simple, traditional way to make a fresh pot of Mexican-style beans and homemade tortillas—a classic, comforting combo.

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🫘 Fresh Pot of Mexican Beans (Frijoles de la Olla)

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried pinto beans (or black beans)
• 6 cups water (more if needed)
• 1 small white onion, halved
• 2–3 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1–2 tsp salt (added after beans soften)
• Optional flavor add-ins:
  • 1 bay leaf
  • A small piece of onion
  • 1–2 tablespoons lard, bacon drippings, or oil
  • A serrano or jalapeño pepper (whole)

Instructions

1. Rinse the beans and pick out any debris.
2. Add beans, water, onion, garlic, and optional ingredients to a pot or Dutch oven.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer 1.5–2 hours (pinto) or 1.25–1.75 hours (black beans), until tender.
   • Add hot water as needed to keep beans submerged.
5. Once beans are soft, add salt to taste and simmer 10 more minutes.
6. Serve with broth (“caldito”), or mash them for refried beans.

Tip: A slow cooker works great—cook on low for 6–8 hours.

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🌾 Homemade Tortillas

Corn Tortillas (Traditional)

Ingredients

• 2 cups masa harina (e.g., Maseca)
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Mix masa harina and salt.
2. Add warm water gradually until dough is soft and pliable (not sticky).
3. Rest dough for 10 minutes.
4. Divide into golf-ball-sized balls.
5. Press each ball in a tortilla press between plastic sheets.
6. Cook on a hot comal or skillet:
   • 30–45 sec on the first side
   • Flip, cook 1 minute
   • Flip again 15–20 sec
7. Keep wrapped in a towel to stay soft.

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Flour Tortillas

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 3 tbsp lard (or shortening/butter)
• ¾ cup warm water

Instructions

1. Mix flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Cut in the lard until crumbly.
3. Add warm water and mix until soft.
4. Knead 2–3 minutes until smooth.
5. Rest dough 20 minutes.
6. Divide into 10–12 balls.
7. Roll out into thin circles.
8. Cook on a hot skillet about 30–45 sec per side until brown spots appear.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Ladle beans into a bowl, top with queso fresco, cilantro, or salsa.
• Scoop beans with warm tortillas—or make tacos with beans, cheese, and avocado.

If you want, I can also add:
👉 Refried bean instructions
👉 A menu with rice, beans, and tortillas
👉 A grocery list

Just let me know!