🇲🇽 Mexican Cuisine · Desserts

Chongos Zamoranos

Prep

20 mins

Cook

3 hrs

Serves

6

Difficulty

Medium

Tender curd knots simmered slowly in a cinnamon and piloncillo syrup until caramelized and silky in texture.

Ingredients

  • 400g cured chorizo
  • 2 cups pinto beans
  • a handful of minced garlic
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup neutral vegetable oil
  • 2 white onions, chopped
  • a handful of fresh oregano, chopped
  • a drizzle of Mexican crema
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • a drizzle of toasted pumpkin seeds

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven (or set up your steamer or frying station) and lightly grease your pan or molds with lard.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, whisk together the bolillo rolls and ground cumin until evenly combined.

  3. 3

    In a separate bowl, blend the salsa verde with the chicken stock until smooth and well incorporated.

  4. 4

    Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, taking care not to overmix.

  5. 5

    Transfer everything to your prepared pan or molds and cook — bake, steam, chill, or fry — until set, about 3 hrs.

  6. 6

    Remove from the heat and let it cool completely; this helps the texture firm up perfectly.

Tips

Bring your salsa verde to room temperature before mixing for a smoother, more even texture.

This keeps well for a couple of days in an airtight container, and the flavor often improves overnight.