Rancho Meladuco's Santa Maria-Style Beans with Medjool Dates | The Bittman Project

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry pinquito beans (pink beans; see Note), such as Rancho Gordo brand
• 1 onion, halved
• 5 large garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 large Anaheim chile
• 1 pound smoked thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 white onion, minced (reserve some for garnish)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon quality chile powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 cups tomato puree
• 1 cup Mexican-style lager
• 1/2 cup brewed coffee
• 5 Rancho Meladuco Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
• Kosher salt and pepper
• Mexican crema, for serving (optional)