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Refried Beans

A traditional Mexican dish made from mashed pinto beans.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Soaking time8 hours
Total Time10 hours 10 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: refried beans
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried pinto beans rinsed and picked over
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup lard or vegetable oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Soak the pinto beans in water overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse the beans before use.
  • In a large pot, add the soaked beans and enough water to cover the beans by 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Let the beans simmer for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Drain the beans and reserve the liquid.
  • In a large skillet, heat the lard or oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the cooked beans to the skillet and mash them with a potato masher or a fork until they are well mashed. If the beans are too thick, you can add some of the reserved liquid to reach the desired consistency.
  • Season the beans with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the beans are heated through.

Notes

Serve the refried beans as a side dish or use them as a filling for tacos, burritos, tostadas, and enchiladas.
This recipe yields 6-8 servings. You can also add spices such as cumin, chili powder, or oregano while cooking the beans to give them more flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use vegetable oil instead of lard.