Real Refried Beans
Experience the authentic taste of Mexican cuisine with this "Real Refried Beans" recipe, a comforting classic made from scratch with simple, wholesome ingredients. Perfectly simmered pinto beans are infused with the rich flavors of onion, garlic, and traditional spices, then mashed to creamy perfection in lard or vegetable oil for versatility. Whether you enjoy them as a hearty side dish, a taco filling, or a burrito spread, these delicious refried beans stand out for their homestyle texture and customizable seasoning. For an added indulgence, melt in some shredded cheddar cheese to elevate the richness. With just 10 minutes of prep and a hands-off simmering process, this dish is an effortless way to bring authentic, made-from-scratch flavor to your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 8 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 onion, peeled and halved
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 3 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly under cold water and pick out any debris or bad beans.
In a large pot, combine the rinsed beans and 8 cups of water. Add the halved onion and smashed garlic cloves to the pot.
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and cook the beans for about 1.5-2 hours, or until they are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the beans are tender, remove and discard the onion and garlic. Stir in 2 teaspoons of salt to season the beans.
Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid, then drain the beans while keeping the rest of the cooking liquid aside.
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of lard or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cooked beans and mash them using a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
Slowly add the reserved cooking liquid, one tablespoon at a time, until the beans reach your desired consistency. They should be creamy but not runny.
Stir in the ground cumin and black pepper, and adjust salt to taste.
Optional: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt into the beans for extra richness.
Serve the refried beans warm as a side dish, taco filling, or spread for burritos. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1163 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 61.8 g | 79% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.5 g | 142% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 99 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 5926 mg | 258% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 110.0 g | 40% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.7 g | 124% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.0 g | ||
| Protein | 48.4 g | 97% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 622 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 10.1 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 1858 mg | 40% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
