Learn how to make delicious and authentic homemade refried beans with this easy recipe. These flavorful beans are made from scratch and can be used as a side dish, filling for burritos, or as a topping for nachos. The beans are cooked until they are creamy and then mashed to achieve the perfect texture. Serve them warm and enjoy the rich and satisfying taste of homemade refried beans.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pinto beans, dried
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lard or bacon grease
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro
Directions
- Rinse the dried pinto beans and remove any debris. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Let them soak overnight.
- Drain the soaked beans and rinse them again. Return them to the pot and add the chopped onion, minced garlic, lard or bacon grease, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, and give everything a good stir.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
- Once the beans are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the beans until they reach your desired consistency. If the beans are too dry, you can add a little more chicken broth or water.
- Return the pot to the stove and cook the mashed beans over low heat for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help enhance the flavors and thicken the beans.
- Taste the beans and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add more salt, cumin, or chili powder to taste.
- Serve the homemade refried beans warm as a side dish or use them as a filling for burritos. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade refried beans!
Interesting Facts
Refried beans are not actually fried twice. The name comes from the Spanish term 'frijoles refritos,' which means 'well-fried beans.'
In Mexican cuisine, lard or bacon grease is traditionally used to cook the beans, giving them a rich and flavorful taste.
Refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are commonly served as a side dish or used as a filling for various dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.