Rick Bayless Food

SALSA VERDE: GREEN TOMATILLO SALSA (RICK BAYLESS)

Steps:

• Roughly chop tomatillos and the chiles. In a blender or food processor, combine the tomatillos, chiles, cilantro, and 1/4 cup water.
• Process to a coarse puree, then scrape into a serving dish.
• Rinse the onion under cold water, then shake to remove the excess moisture. Stir into the salsa and season with salt.

MEXICAN-STYLE SHRIMP COCKTAIL

Steps:

• Bring 1 quart (1L) of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and let the water return to a simmer and poach for an additional minute or two. Scoop the shrimp out and place onto a rimmed baking sheet and chill 30 minutes. The shrimp can be made a day in advance and chilled until ready to serve.
• For the sauce, stir together the ketchup, lime juice, the Mexican hot sauce, olive oil and cilantro in a large bowl. This step can be completed a day in advance, stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
• In a small strainer, rinse the onion under cold water, then shake off the excess liquid, and add to the sauce. Peel, dice and add the jicama; dice and add the cucumber. Stir in the chilled shrimp and the avocado right before serving.
• Garnish with lime and serve with tostadas, chips, or saltine crackers.

DRUNKEN PINTOS WITH CILANTRO AND BACON (RICK BAYLESS)

Steps:

• BEANS:.
• Sort and rinse the beans thoroughly. Scoop into a 4 quart saucepan.
• Add 5 cups water; remove any beans that float.
• Add the cubed pork (or extra chopped bacon) and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and gently simmer, partially covered, until tender, about 2 hours.
• Stir gently occasionally, and keep water level a good 1/2 inch above the level of the beans.
• FLAVORINGS:.
• In a medium skillet, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon but leave behind the drippings.
• Pour off all the drippings except 2 Tablespoons.
• Return pan to medium heat.
• Add the onions and chiles and fry until deep golden brown, about 10 minutes.
• Scrape the onion mixture into the beans; taste and season with salt.
• Continue simmering, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
• If the beans seem soupy, boil over medium heat until they are the consistency of a nice brothy bean soup.
• You can also take 1/4 of the beans and run them through the blender with a bit of broth, then return to pan.
• Just before serving, stir in the tequila and cilantro.
• Serve in warm bowls topped with the crumbled bacon.