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Authentic Refried Beans

Authentic Refried Beans
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Authentic Refried Beans are a creamy, flavorful Mexican staple made from slow-cooked pinto beans, sautéed aromatics, and simple seasonings. This traditional recipe offers unmatched creaminess and rich, comforting flavors that elevate any meal. Perfect as a side dish, dip, or main for vegetarian options, these beans use pantry staples and can be customized to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried pinto beans (soaked overnight)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
  • 2 to 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or reserved bean cooking liquid)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Soak and Cook the Beans: Start by soaking dried pinto beans overnight in plenty of water to soften them and reduce cooking time. Rinse thoroughly, then simmer in fresh water or broth for about 1.5 to 2 hours until tender but not falling apart.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat lard or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook until translucent and fragrant, then add minced garlic and cook until just golden.
  3. Mash the Beans: Drain the cooked beans, reserving some cooking liquid. Add the beans to the skillet with the aromatics, then gently mash them using a potato masher or the back of a spoon. Gradually pour in reserved cooking liquid or broth to achieve your desired creamy consistency.
  4. Season to Perfection: Sprinkle in ground cumin, salt, and black pepper while stirring to fully incorporate. Continue cooking on low heat, stirring often until the mixture is rich and creamy, clinging to the spoon.
  5. Final Simmer: Let the beans simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to deepen the flavor and thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

Notes

  • Use dried beans for superior texture and flavor compared to canned beans.
  • Soaking beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
  • Cook on low heat to avoid burning and develop a silky smooth texture.
  • Lard adds traditional richness, but vegetable oils are excellent substitutes for a lighter version.
  • Reserve some bean cooking liquid to adjust thickness naturally while mashing.
  • Add seasonings gradually to balance flavors without overpowering the beans.

Nutrition

Keywords: refried beans, authentic refried beans, pinto beans, Mexican side dish, vegetarian beans, creamy beans, traditional Mexican recipe

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/authentic-refried-beans/