Xonequi

Ingredients

• 225 g (8 oz) black beans, rinsed and picked over
• Approximately 3 litres (3 quarts) hot water
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 thick slice white onion
• 1 tablespoon pork lard (optional but recommended)
• Salt to taste
• 1 large epazote sprig
• 2 dried chipotle mora chiles
• 250 ml (1 cup) tortilla masa
• 1½ tablespoons pork lard
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped white onion (optional)
• 3 heaped tablespoons finely chopped epazote leaves
• Salt to taste
• To finish:
• 500 ml (2 cups) xonequi leaves or roughly chopped Swiss chard leaves

Method

1. 1
   COOK THE BEANS: Place rinsed beans in a heavy pot with the hot water, garlic, onion, and lard. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer. Cook uncovered or partially covered until beans are completely tender, approximately 1½–2 hours depending on bean age. Add more hot water as needed to keep beans submerged. Season with salt only once beans are fully soft. Add the epazote sprig and simmer 10 more minutes.
2. 2
   PREPARE THE CHIPOTLES: Toast the chipotle mora chiles briefly in a dry pan over medium heat (163°C / 325°F) until fragrant but not blackened, about 45 seconds per side. Soak in a cup of hot bean broth for 20 minutes until softened. Blend chiles with their soaking broth until smooth. Pass through a medium sieve and stir the purée into the bean pot. Simmer together 10 minutes.
3. 3
   MAKE THE MASA BALLS: Combine masa, lard, onion if using, and chopped epazote. Season with salt. Work together until smooth and homogeneous. Pinch off pieces and roll into balls roughly 2 cm across. Press a small thumb indentation into each. Set aside on a plate.
4. 4
   ADD THE GREENS: Bring the bean broth to a gentle simmer. Add the xonequi or chard and cook 15 minutes until tender and wilted into the broth.
5. 5
   ADD THE MASA BALLS: Lower the masa balls carefully into the simmering pot. Do not boil hard. Cook another 15 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through with no raw center.
6. 6
   SERVE: Ladle into deep bowls with generous broth. Eat immediately.