Frijoles Borrachos

2 Cups pinto beans
6 Cups water -- or more as needed
12 Ounces beer
2 Teaspoons bacon drippings -- or peanut oil
1 Large onion -- chopped
2 garlic cloves -- minced
2 fresh jalapenos or serranos -- chopped
2 pickled jalapenos -- chopped
1 Teaspoon chili powder
1 Teaspoon salt

These drunken beans make a great side or supper dish, and also work well
for refritos. Plan on a total cooking time of about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. The
hardness of the water, the altitude, and the obstinancy of the particular
beans can all affect the timing.

Pick through the beans and rinse them, watching for any gravel or grit.
Soak the beans in water, enough to cover them by several inches,
preferably overnight.

Drain the beans, and add them to a stockpot or a large, heavy saucepan.
Cover them with the water and beer. Simmer the beans, uncovered, over low
heat.

After 1 hour, stir the beans up from the bottom and check the liquid
level. If there is not at least an inch more water than beans, add enough
hot water to bring it to that level. Simmer the beans another 30 minutes,
then check them again, adding water as needed.

When the beans are well softened, add the remaining ingredients, and
continue simmering. Cook at least 15 more minutes, keeping the level of
the water just above the beans. The beans are done when they are soft and
creamy but not mushy, with each bean retaining its shape. There should be
extra liquid at the completion of the cooking time, although the beans
should not be soupy. If you want the liquid a little thicker, squash a few
of the beans in the bottom of the pot with a potato or bean masher.

Serve the beans immediately, or cover them and keep them warm for as long
as 1 hour. Or let them cool, and refrigerate or freeze them for later use.


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