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