South Mexican Frijoles De Olla

1 medium white onion, roughly chopped

1 tablespoon lard or 1 tablespoon oil

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 -2 sprig epazote or 2 teaspoons dried epazote

1 whole chipotle chili

1/2 guajillochili or 1/2 ancho chili , toasted, seeded, and torn into small pieces

1/4 teaspoon whole cumin , toasted

2 -3 bay leaves , toasted

2 -3 avocado leaves (I used anise ) or 2 -3 a generous pinch ground aniseed (I used anise )

1 -2 hoja santa (I didn't add this since I couldn't find it)

1 -2 teaspoon Mexican oregano , toasted

2 garlic cloves , crushed and peeled

4 ounces chorizo sausage , crumbled (opt*)