Woolworth’s Frito Pie
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This is the recipe said to be invented in the 1960s by Teresa Hernandez, who worked the lunch counter at F.W. Woolworth's in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Recipe Makes 4 Servings
Whatcha Need:
- 2 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
- 2 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1-1/2 cup water (more if necessary)
- 1 cup canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 5 cups Fritos corn chips
- 1/2 lb Cheddar or Monterey jack, shredded
- Optional: chopped onion and diced fresh jalapenos for garnish
Whatcha Do:
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Cook bacon in heavy skillet until fat is rendered. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is softened.
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Add ground chuck and cook over medium high heat, stirring and breaking up lumps, until browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Pour off excess fat and add salt, chili powder, cumin, and tomato paste.
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Slowly add water and simmer 10 min, adding more water if necessary. Add beans until heated through.
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Divide corn chips among individual wide shallow bowls, top with chili. Sprinkle cheese on top.
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Garnish with onion and jalapeno if desired.