New Mexico red chiles are common dried chiles found in many grocery stores. You can also use a couple of chilcostle chiles or tiny cascabels in place of some of the New Mexico red chiles for a more complex flavor.
YIELDS 10 CUPS; SERVES 8
INGREDIENTS
- 8 dried red chiles, such as New Mexico red, stemmed and seeded
- 1 Tbs. cumin seeds
- 11/2 Tbs. fresh oregano leaves or 2 tsp. dried
- 1 lb. dried pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 3 medium yellow onions, chopped
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 3 fresh jalapeños (preferably red), cored, seeded, and chopped
- 2 lb. bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt
- Shredded sharp Cheddar or cotija cheese, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cover the chiles with about 4 cups boiling water and steep until soft, about 15 minutes. Reserve 2 cups of the soaking liquid and then drain the chiles. In a blender, purée the chiles with the reserved liquid.
- Meanwhile, toast and grind the cumin seeds and toast the fresh oregano (if using dried oregano, don’t toast). Put the beans in a stockpot and cover them with 7 cups water. Add the chile purée, toasted ground cumin, toasted (or dried) oregano, onions, carrot, garlic, jalapeños, and chicken thighs. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, skimming any foam. Remove the chicken thighs when cooked, 25 to 30 minutes. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, pull the meat from the bones into large pieces and set aside; discard the bones. Continue cooking the beans until tender, another 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Return the chicken to the pot to heat it thoroughly. Season with salt to taste. Serve in bowls topped with the grated cheese.
HOW TO TOAST OREGANO?
Heat a small, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add fresh oregano, giving the pan an occasional shake. Remove the leaves after they’ve begun to dry out but before they lose all of their green color, about 3 minutes.
NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- 470 CALORIES | 41g PROTEIN | 48g CARB | 13g TOTAL FAT | 7g SAT FAT | 3g MONO FAT | 2g POLY FAT | 115mg CHOL | 1,990mg SODIUM | 16g FIBER
