New Belgium Beer n' Beans

We've had more fun with the beer from New Belgium Brewing!!!  I was one of the lucky bloggers chosen by Foodbuzz to receive a $50 stipend to purchase New Belgium beer and create a recipe.  Well, the ideas kept coming.  Now, I'm working on creating a menu and my brain stops and says, how can I incorporate beer?  Creativity with beer.  That's what it's all about. 

So, Connie's brother Tom was coming down from Chicago to visit for the weekend.  I knew he'd get here late - like 10 pm - and probably wouldn't have eaten dinner.  One of Connie's favorite dishes is Salsa Fish.  He actually asks for  it - and eats leftovers.  Two things he rarely if ever does.  What sounds good with Salsa Fish?  Pinto beans. 

I got the pinto beans out and grabbed a can of chopped green chilies on the way.  Cumin was an absolute.  Hmmm.  How about if I sauteed some onions to put in?  OH, how about if I sauteed the onions THEN reduced some beer in the onions?  Might as well try it.  After all, what's the worst that could happen?  We'd toss the whole mess in the trash. 

Guess what?  I'm going to make these beans again.  Soon.  They were wonderful. 

New Belgium Beer n' Beans

Ingredients:

1 T olive oil
medium yellow onion, diced
6 oz Mighty Arrow New Belgium beer
4 oz can diced green chilies
1/2 t cumin
1/4 t garlic powder
17.5 oz can pinto beans with juice

Directions:

Saute the diced onion in the olive oil in a medium saucepan. 

Once the onions have softened, pour in the beer. 

Cook until the liquid is reduced by half.  Add the other ingredients and cook until the beans are just barely covered by liquid. 

They'll still be really soupy but won't be swimming in liquid.  Serve in ramekins or small bowls.