Refried Beans

Refried Beans are traditionally served with Tostada (fried tortilla), Tacos, Burritos, eat them with eggs for brunch, Fajitas or as a dip topped with grated cheese and corn chips. Pinto beans are incredibly good for you and delicious when made up in this recipe!

Ingredients (to cook dried beans)

1.5 Cups Pinto Beans uncooked

Water

1/2 medium onion, peeled and left whole

2 medium cloves garlic

1 bay leaf

Salt, to taste

Method

Soak beans overnight

Rinse the beans then add to a large pot. Add the onion half, garlic cloves and bay leaf.

Cover with at least 10cm’s of water. Place the pot over high heat and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook until the beans are extremely tender (almost silky inside), 1 1/2 to 2 hours. If during cooking the beans look dry, add a splash more water.

Remove the onion, garlic cloves, bay leaf, and then discard them.

Drain the beans, but do not discard the cooking liquid. We will use some of the liquid for making the refried beans. You will need about 3 cups of the beans to make refried beans. If you have more than 3 cups, reserve the rest for another recipe.

Ingredients (to make the refried beans)

3 tablespoons olive oil, butter, lard or bacon drippings

1/2 cup chopped onion (1/2 medium onion)

1 teaspoon minced garlic (1 medium clove)

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, optional

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional

3 cups (470 grams) cooked pinto beans

2 to 3 lime wedges to serve

Method

In a large fry pan heat the oil (or butter/lard/bacon drippings) over medium-high heat until melted. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until it smells sweet and is starting to brown around the edges, 4 to 5 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and cayenne pepper and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add the 3 cups of cooked beans, moving them around the pan for a minute or two so that they are heated through. Add 1 cup of the bean cooking liquid and then use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to mash the beans into your desired consistency.

If, as you are mashing, the beans seem a little dry, add a splash more liquid. The beans do dry out over time, so it’s a good idea to keep the cooking liquid near by to maintain the best consistency, especially if you are making them in advance.

Taste the beans and adjust with additional salt, pepper or spices. Serve with a squeeze of lime and your favorite toppings scattered on top. Enjoy.