Chochoyotes and Beans

Step 1

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add onions, garlic and avocado leaves. Cook, stirring once or twice, until onions and garlic are nicely browned and leaves are toasted on both sides.

Step 2

Add beans and water. Bring them to a boil and leave them there, boiling hard, for about ten minutes. Then reduce to a low simmer and cover partially with a lid. The cooking liquid will reduce and become richly flavorful over time. If the water starts to get low, add additional water (preferably hot, from a kettle). The beans should always be covered by a couple inches of water, so they cook evenly and so there’s room to cook the chochoyotes.

Step 3

While the beans cook, prepare your chochoyotes.

Step 4

After two hours or so, begin testing the beans by pressing one between your thumb and forefinger. They should give easily, and may take up to two more hours to achieve the desired consistency – it’s up to you whether you like them to retain some shape and bite or to be fall-apart tender. At this point, you can add salt (not too heavily, as it takes some time for the beans to absorb it). Drop your prepared chochoyotes into the beans and their broth, and simmer until they rise to the surface.

Step 5

Make your masa. Our golden ratio at Masienda is 1 Heirloom Corn Masa Harina : 1.4 Water* (by weight e.g., 1 kg : 1.4 kg). If you don’t have a kitchen scale, one packed cup of Heirloom Corn Masa Harina requires approximately one scant cup of water (by volume).

Step 6

Slowly add the water to the dry masa flour in a large bowl, stirring the masa to incorporate evenly by hand. Knead until the water is evenly incorporated and no dry, powdery spots remain (3 minutes should do). If you’d like to incorporate some fat, start with 2 or 3 tablespoons of Sizzle. The masa should feel a little like play dough; hydrated but not sticky.

Step 7

Roll a ball of masa slightly smaller than ping-pong-size. Press your fingertip into the center, creating an indentation about a third to halfway into the ball. Place on a baking sheet and cover with a damp kitchen towel.

Step 8

When they’re all finished, cook in the beans as per above instruction.