Refried Beans

Refried Beans

Refried Beans

Veg

Black or pinto beans slow-cooked and mashed with lard or oil into a thick, creamy purée — the essential Mexican side and burrito filling.

Cuisines

Mexican

Best for

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Recipe

Prep: 10 min Cook: 120 min Total: 130 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

1 cup dried pinto beans
4 cups water
2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
salt to taste
fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1 Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and remove any debris.
  2. 2 In a large pot, combine the beans and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. 3 Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the beans are tender.
  4. 4 Drain the beans, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
  5. 5 In a large skillet, heat the lard or vegetable oil over medium heat.
  6. 6 Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  7. 7 Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  8. 8 Add the cooked beans to the skillet and mash them with a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
  9. 9 Gradually add the reserved cooking liquid, a little at a time, until the beans reach your desired consistency.
  10. 10 Season with salt and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are thickened and heated through.
  11. 11 Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired before serving.

Tips

For a smoother texture, use a blender to puree the beans before frying.