Refried Beans Recipe

Refried beans are a staple in many households, especially in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. They are incredibly versatile, serving as a perfect side dish, a filling for burritos, or a base for layered dips. This easy refried beans recipe will guide you through making this delicious dish from scratch, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying result every time.

Ingredients

To make homemade refried beans, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups dried pinto beans (or 4 cups canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 3 tablespoons lard, bacon drippings, or vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water (optional for thinning)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
• Lime wedges (optional for serving)

Instructions

1. Preparing the Beans

Using Dried Beans:

1. Soak the Beans: Place the dried pinto beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
2. Cook the Beans: In a large pot, add the soaked beans and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Drain the cooked beans, reserving some of the cooking liquid.

Using Canned Beans:

1. Drain and Rinse: If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them under cold water.

2. Cooking the Refried Beans

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the lard, bacon drippings, or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
2. Add the Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for an additional minute to allow the spices to bloom.
3. Add the Beans: Add the cooked or canned pinto beans to the skillet. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved cooking liquid or chicken broth. Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash the beans to your desired consistency. For smoother refried beans, you can use an immersion blender.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the beans become too thick, add a little more liquid until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or spices as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Refried beans can be enjoyed in many ways:

• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside your favorite Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, or tamales.
• In Burritos: Use as a filling for burritos, along with rice, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
• In Layered Dips: Layer refried beans with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, and other toppings for a delicious dip.
• With Tortilla Chips: Simply scoop with tortilla chips for a quick and tasty snack.

Tips and Variations

• Add Heat: If you like your refried beans spicy, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy Beans: Stir in some shredded cheese for an extra creamy and cheesy version.
• Vegan Option: Use vegetable oil and vegetable broth to keep this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.

Conclusion

Making refried beans from scratch is simple and rewarding. With a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can enjoy this classic dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for any meal. Whether you serve them as a side dish, a dip, or a filling, these homemade refried beans are sure to become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and elevate your Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes to the next level!