Mexican Beans with Chorizo and Greens

1. Cook Chorizo

Start by placing the chorizo in a medium-large heavy pot over medium heat. Cook the sausage, breaking it up as you go, for about 8 to 10 minutes. The goal is to ensure the chorizo is cooked through and nicely browned, releasing its rich, spicy oils to form the flavorful base of your dish.

2. Wilt the Greens

While the chorizo is cooking, prepare your greens. If you’re using spinach, place it in a microwaveable bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and poke a few holes to let steam escape. Microwave for about 2 minutes until wilted. For Swiss chard, follow the same process but microwave for 3 minutes. This step ensures the greens retain their vibrant color and tender texture, ready to be folded into the dish.

3. Blend Flavors with Beans and Chipotles

Add the drained black beans and finely chopped chipotles to the pot with the chorizo. Pour in 1.5 cups of water and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes. This simmering crucially melds all the flavors together, creating a slightly thickened mixture where the spicy, smoky notes of the chipotles weave through the hearty beans.

4. Combine Greens and Bring to Boil

Introduce the wilted greens to the pot, stirring them into the mixture. Increase the heat to bring everything back to a boil. This step ensures the greens integrate fully, absorbing the flavors and adding a fresh, earthy contrast to the spicy chorizo and beans.

5. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the chorizo and bean mixture into bowls, distributing the flavors evenly. Top each serving with crumbled cheese and a sprinkle of chopped onions. The cheese will soften slightly, adding a creamy, tangy finish that complements the dish beautifully. Enjoy your meal, knowing it was crafted with the simple, authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine.