Refried Beans

Refried Beans Recipe - Authentic Mexican Dish with Pinto Beans

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Refried beans are a classic Mexican dish that is enjoyed all over the world for its rich and creamy texture. This recipe is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is often served as a side dish or used as a filling for burritos, tacos, and enchiladas.

History

Refried beans, or "frijoles refritos" in Spanish, have been a part of Mexican cuisine for centuries. The dish originated in Mexico and was traditionally made by mashing cooked beans and frying them in lard. Today, refried beans are typically made with vegetable oil instead of lard for a healthier option.

Ingredients

1.25 cups of dried pinto beans
vegetable cooking spray
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
salt and pepper, to taste

How to prepare

Wash and sort the beans, discarding any stones.
In a large saucepan, cover the beans with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Boil uncovered for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat, cover, and let the beans stand for 1 hour.
Drain the beans and then cover them with 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer the beans covered until they are tender, which should take about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Drain the beans, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid.
Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium heat until hot.
Saute the onion in the skillet until tender, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add 1 cup of beans and 1 cup of the reserved liquid to the skillet. Cook over high heat, mashing the beans until they are almost smooth using the end of a meat mallet or a potato masher.
Add half of the remaining beans and liquid to the skillet. Continue cooking and mashing the beans.
Repeat the previous step with the remaining beans and liquid.
Season the mixture to taste with salt and pepper.

Variations

Add diced jalapenos or green chilies for a spicy kick.
Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Use black beans or kidney beans instead of pinto beans for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to soak the beans before cooking to help them cook faster and more evenly.

- Use a potato masher or the end of a meat mallet to mash the beans to your desired consistency.

- Season the beans with salt and pepper to taste for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve refried beans as a side dish with rice, tortillas, and your favorite Mexican dishes.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the beans until they are tender before mashing them for the best texture.

- Use a large skillet to cook the beans evenly and prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned beans instead of dried beans for a quicker option.

- Substitute vegetable oil for cooking spray if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Cook the beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before mashing and cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve refried beans in a colorful bowl garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve refried beans with rice, salsa, guacamole, and tortilla chips for a complete Mexican meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of refried beans contains approximately 140 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of refried beans contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

One serving of refried beans contains approximately 2 grams of fat.

Proteins

One serving of refried beans contains approximately 7 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Refried beans are a good source of iron, magnesium, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe may contain allergens such as beans and onions.

Summary

Refried beans are a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and fiber. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Refried beans are a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home. This classic Mexican recipe is perfect for serving as a side dish or using as a filling for your favorite Mexican dishes. Enjoy the rich and creamy texture of refried beans with this simple and flavorful recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for refried beans. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Mexico. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had passed down her love for cooking to me. I spent hours in the kitchen with her, watching her prepare delicious meals with ingredients she grew in her own garden.

One day, while rummaging through an old recipe book that belonged to my grandmother, I stumbled upon a faded page with a recipe for refried beans. The simple list of ingredients and instructions intrigued me, and I knew I had to try making it myself. I asked my grandmother about the recipe, and she smiled warmly at me before telling me the story behind it.

She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations of women in our family, each one adding their own twist to it. She had learned how to make refried beans from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The recipe had evolved over time, but the basic ingredients and technique remained the same.

Excited to learn more about this traditional dish, I set out to make refried beans for the first time. I gathered the ingredients – dried pinto beans, onion, garlic, and lard – and got to work. I soaked the beans overnight, then cooked them with onion and garlic until they were tender. I mashed them with a wooden spoon, adding lard for flavor and texture. The rich aroma of the beans filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When the refried beans were finally ready, I scooped a generous spoonful onto a warm tortilla and took a bite. The creamy texture and savory flavor of the beans were unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I continued to make refried beans for my family and friends, always adding my own touch to the recipe. I experimented with different spices and seasonings, trying to perfect the dish to my own taste. Each time I made refried beans, I was reminded of my grandmother and the generations of women who had come before me, passing down their knowledge and love for cooking.

Now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of refried beans for dinner, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that has brought so much joy and connection to my family. The simple act of cooking this traditional dish connects me to my roots and reminds me of the strong women who came before me.

As I take a bite of the creamy, flavorful beans, I am transported back to that moment of curiosity and excitement when I first discovered the recipe. I am grateful for the opportunity to carry on this tradition and share it with the people I love. And I know that as long as I continue to cook and share this recipe, the legacy of my grandmother and the generations of women who came before me will live on in every delicious bite.