New Mexican Style Quelites (Spinach with beans)

• 1 1/2 pounds  washed fresh spinach or 10 ounces frozen spinach *
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed chile pequin
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 1 medium tomato
• 2 slices of bacon (omit if it’s Friday during Lent)
• 2 cups cooked pinto beans
• 3 tablespoons chopped onion
• 1 tsp salt

1. Wash spinach thoroughly and remove stem ends.

2. Put washed spinach in a large saucepan and steam for 10-12 minutes at medium heat.

3. Drain and chop spinach, then set aside.

4. Sauté onion and bacon in a medium-sized saucepan at medium heat. Add spinach and remaining ingredients to onion, bacon and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

6. Mix cooked whole beans with quelites, sprinkle with crushed red chile pequin.