Mexican Chipotle Pork & Beans

Mexican Chipotle Pork & Beans is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender, slow-cooked pork with smoky chipotle peppers and creamy beans. This rustic recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or family gathering, offering a balance of spice and warmth. The pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the beans soak up all the bold flavors of the chipotle, garlic, and spices, making each bite a savory delight. Serve it with warm tortillas or over rice to complete the meal. This dish brings a rich depth of flavor that will transport you to the heart of Mexican cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into cubes
• 2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers can)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• Warm tortillas or rice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sear the pork: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the pork cubes with salt and pepper, and sear them in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the pork and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and coriander, stirring frequently, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chipotle and tomatoes: Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and diced tomatoes. Let everything cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Simmer with broth: Return the seared pork to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Add the bay leaf, bring to a simmer, and lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender.
5. Add the beans: Once the pork is tender, stir in the pinto beans. Simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce and allow the beans to soak up the flavors.
6. Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaf and taste the dish, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy with warm tortillas or rice for a complete meal.

Enjoy your comforting Mexican Chipotle Pork & Beans!