Mexican · side
130m
Total time
6
Servings
—
kcal
easy
Difficulty
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FAQ · Things people ask
For most dried beans (black, pinto, bayo), soaking reduces cook time by 30–40 minutes. It is not mandatory. Unsoaked beans have marginally more flavor because fewer water-soluble compounds leach out. Either method produces good beans.
Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) is a Mexican herb with a sharp, medicinal-herbal aroma. There is no direct substitute. If unavailable, skip it — do not use anything else in its place, as the flavor profile is too specific to approximate.
Black beans (frijoles negros) are the Oaxacan standard. Pinto beans (bayos) are the central Mexico version. Flor de mayo and bayo gordo are excellent regional varieties. Use the freshest dried beans you can find — beans more than 2 years old will never fully soften.
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