Homemade refried beans are a rich, flavorful Mexican staple that are easy to make at home. Start by soaking pinto beans overnight, then sauté onions and garlic in oil. Mash half the beans for a chunky texture, adding cooking liquid to reach your desired consistency. Simmer the mashed beans with spices like cumin and chili powder to build the savory flavor profile. Refried beans make a versatile side, dip, or taco/burrito filling. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and shredded cheese for a restaurant-quality presentation. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy authentic refried beans – let's dive into the full recipe!
Key Takeaways
- This easy refried beans recipe uses simple ingredients like pinto beans, olive oil, onion, and garlic to create a flavorful and creamy dish.
- The beans are soaked overnight, then mashed and simmered with aromatics to achieve the desired consistency for use as a side, dip, or taco/burrito filling.
- Customizable with spices like cumin, chili powder, and fresh garnishes to suit personal taste preferences, making it a versatile Mexican-inspired staple.
- Homemade refried beans are more satisfying than canned options and budget-friendly, allowing control over ingredients and flavors.
- Leftover refried beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer-term storage and reheated as needed.
History
Refried beans have a long and storied history, dating back to the Aztec civilization in what's now modern-day Mexico.
These hearty legumes were a staple food for the Aztecs, who'd mash and cook them into a thick, creamy dish. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they were quick to adopt this delicious bean preparation, eventually spreading it throughout their colonial holdings.
Over the centuries, refried beans have become a beloved part of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
The dish's versatility allows it to be served as a side, a dip, or even a main course. The classic recipe involves slowly cooking and mashing pinto beans, then seasoning them with a variety of spices and aromatics.
Today, refried beans remain a beloved comfort food, offering a tasty and satisfying way to enjoy this humble legume.
Recipe
Refried beans are a classic Mexican dish that can be enjoyed as a side, a dip, or even as a filling in tacos and burritos. This easy recipe will show you how to make delicious refried beans from scratch in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Preparing refried beans at home allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavors to your liking. The process is simple and the end result is far more satisfying than the canned variety. Plus, homemade refried beans are a budget-friendly option that can be used in a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes.
- 2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth (optional)
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Stir in the drained and rinsed pinto beans, ground cumin, and chili powder. Use a potato masher or the back of a fork to mash the beans, leaving some texture. If the mixture becomes too thick, add the vegetable or chicken broth a little at a time to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For best results, let the refried beans simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, diced onions, or chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
Cooking Steps
First, you'll want to soak the beans overnight before cooking to help them soften up.
Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then add some onions and garlic to the mix.
Step 1. Soak Beans Overnight Before Cooking
Before you can begin cooking your refried beans, you'll need to soak the dried beans overnight. This simple step helps to soften the beans, making them easier to mash and cook.
Start by placing the dried beans in a large bowl and covering them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. As the beans soak, they'll expand in size, so be sure to use a bowl that's big enough to accommodate the increased volume.
Once the soaking time is up, drain the beans and rinse them under cool running water. This will remove any impurities or debris that may have accumulated during the soaking process.
Now, you're ready to move on to the next step in the recipe – cooking the beans until they're tender and ready to be transformed into delicious refried beans.
Step 2. Drain and Rinse Soaked Beans
Draining and rinsing the soaked beans is a crucial step in the cooking process.
Once the beans have soaked for several hours or overnight, you'll want to drain the water and give them a thorough rinse. This helps remove any impurities or debris that may have accumulated during the soaking period.
Grab a colander and place it in the sink. Gently pour the soaked beans into the colander, allowing the water to drain away.
Next, turn on the faucet and use your hands to gently rinse the beans under cool, running water. Swish them around to dislodge any remaining dirt or grime. This step ensures your refried beans will have a clean, fresh flavor.
After rinsing, let the beans sit in the colander for a minute or two to allow excess water to drip off.
You're now ready to move on to the next stage of the recipe. Your perfectly prepped beans are one step closer to becoming delicious, homemade refried beans.
Step 3. Add Onions and Garlic
With the beans prepped, begin sautéing the aromatics. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. The onion and garlic will help build the foundation of flavor for your refried beans.
As the aromatics cook, keep an eye on them to prevent any burning. You want the onion to soften and the garlic to become golden, but not charred. Adjust the heat as needed to achieve this.
The sizzle of the onion and the aroma of the garlic will let you know they're ready to move on to the next step. With the aromatics prepped, you can now start mashing and seasoning the beans to create your delicious refried masterpiece.
Step 4. Mash Beans Into Chunky Texture
Now that the aromatic base is prepared, it's time to mash the beans into a chunky texture. Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, start mashing the cooked beans right in the skillet.
Don't worry about making them perfectly smooth – you want a nice, hearty texture with some whole beans remaining.
Mash about half of the beans, leaving the other half mostly intact. This creates a mix of creaminess and heartiness that's just right.
As you mash, you may need to add a splash of the reserved cooking liquid to reach your desired consistency. The beans should be mashed enough to hold together, but still have plenty of delightful chunks throughout.
Once you've achieved the perfect chunky texture, give the refried beans a good stir to incorporate everything evenly.
Now they're ready to serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, or fresh cilantro.
Get ready for the rich, savory flavors of your homemade refried beans!
Step 5. Simmer Until Desired Consistency
After mashing the beans to your desired consistency, return the skillet to medium heat. Slowly add the cooking liquid, a little at a time, stirring constantly. This will help the beans reach your ideal texture – not too thick, not too thin.
Simmer the beans, continuing to stir, for about 5 minutes. You'll notice the mixture thickening up as the excess liquid evaporates. If it gets too dry, simply add a splash more liquid. Keep an eye on it, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
Once the beans have reached your perfect creamy-yet-chunky consistency, you're ready to serve! Refried beans pair wonderfully with tacos, burritos, or as a dip for tortilla chips.
The simmering step is crucial for developing that classic refried flavor, so don't rush it. Take your time and enjoy the process – your taste buds will thank you!
Final Thoughts
Although refried beans may seem like a simple dish, the recipe you've just learned offers a delicious and authentic flavor that can elevate any Mexican-inspired meal.
With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can prepare a batch of homemade refried beans that will have your taste buds dancing.
The key to great refried beans lies in the slow simmering process, which allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Take your time and stir the beans occasionally, adjusting the consistency to your liking. The end result should be a creamy, savory base that can be served as a side, stuffed into tacos or burritos, or used as a dip for your favorite chips.
Don't be afraid to get creative with your refried beans, either.
Try adding a touch of cumin, garlic, or chili powder to amp up the flavor.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze Leftover Refried Beans?
Yes, you can definitely freeze leftover refried beans. Simply let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They'll keep for 2-3 months in the freezer, making for a quick and easy meal when you need it.
How Long Will Homemade Refried Beans Last in the Fridge?
Your homemade refried beans will last 3-4 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container. Be sure to refrigerate them as soon as they've cooled down to prevent bacterial growth.
Can I Use Canned Black Beans Instead of Pinto Beans?
Yes, you can use canned black beans instead of pinto beans for your refried beans recipe. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the cooking process will remain the same. Give it a try and see what you think!
Is It Necessary to Soak the Beans Before Cooking?
While soaking beans isn't strictly necessary, it can help them cook more quickly and evenly. If you don't have time to soak, simply plan for a longer cooking time to ensure the beans become tender.
Can I Substitute Vegetable Oil for Lard in the Recipe?
You can substitute vegetable oil for lard in the recipe. The flavor may be slightly different, but it's a viable alternative if you're looking to make the dish more health-conscious or don't have lard on hand.
