Although new to many people, these colorful beans date back to the ancient, cliff-dwelling Anasazi Indians. Slightly sweeter than pinto beans, they also tend to hold their shape better when cooked. If not available, substitute pinto beans in this recipe.
To “mull” a beverage is to heat it with other ingredients to impart a flavor. We mulled over several formulas before choosing this one with its pungent punch.
When I write “flavored,” I mean it, as I have chosen the chiles that impart the most distinct flavors. The raisiny flavor of the pasilla melds with the apricot overtones of the habanero and the earthiness of the New Mexican chile to create a finely-tuned fiery sipping vodka. Of course, use an excellent vodka like Stolichnaya or Absolut. Note: This recipe requires advance preparation.
This sauce is an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats, including sausages, as well as cold meats (beef, tongue, pork, ham) and smoked fish (salmon, sprats). You can find this recipe and others in the article Siberian Hot Stuff By Sharon Hudgins
This recipe is part of a five-part series devoted to chipotles--those many varieties of smoked chiles. You can go here to start reading--and cooking with--chipotles of all kinds.
