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Frijoles Refritos (Refried Beans)
5 from 24 votes

Frijoles Refritos (Refried Beans)

Frijoles Refritos is a classic dish made by simmering dry pinto beans slowly until tender, then mashing them with lard or olive oil to create a creamy yet slightly textured refried bean spread. The recipe uses the bean cooking liquid to ensure optimal moisture and flavor, and cooking low and slow helps control the consistency. The result is a thick, flavorful dish suitable as a side or component in Mexican cuisine.

Prep Time
6 mins
Cook Time
4 hrs 10 mins
Total Time
4 hrs 16 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 599 kcal
Course: Side Dish, Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Frijoles de la Olla:
  • 2 cups pinto beans dry
  • ¼ onion optional
  • salt to taste
  • water
Refried Beans:
  • 2 tablespoons lard or olive oil
  • 1 ½ cups black beans plus 1/2 cup liquid, cooked, Frijoles de la Olla
  • salt to taste

Instructions

Frijoles de la Olla:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Measure out the beans. Spread the beans over your counter so you can look for beans that are broken, discolored, or shriveled and remove them. There will also be small stones or pebbles that should be sorted out of the beans during this phase. Discard all of the undesirable pieces.
  2. Place beans in a colander. Rinse the beans thoroughly with cool water for about 3 minutes.
  3. Pour the drained beans into a large pot. Add enough water to reach 3 inches over the beans. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and simmer until the beans are tender, about 3 - 4 hours, adding more hot water as the beans absorb liquid. Every pot is different and so check your beans after 2 hours. Most take 3 - 4 hours but I have a pot I love to cook my beans in because it only takes 2 hours.
  4. Add salt and onions (onions are optional) about one hour before complete. Refrigerate beans when cooled. The beans can be frozen in small bowls for later use.
  5. Beans can be refrigerated for (5) days.
Refried Beans:
  1. Heat lard or olive oil in a medium cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beans and the liquid.
  2. Cook over medium heat. While the beans are boiling mash them with a potato masher.
  3. Continue to cook until they form a thick paste, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt.

Notes

  • Do not discard the bean cooking liquid; it enhances flavor and texture in the refried beans.
  • Simmer beans slowly and stir frequently to prevent drying and achieve even cooking.
  • The beans will thicken as they cool, so stop cooking before they seem too runny.

Nutrition Information

Calories 599kcal (30%) Carbohydrates 64g (21%) Protein 23g (46%) Fat 29g (45%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Sodium 4mg (0%) Potassium 956mg (20%) Fiber 23g (92%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 70mg (7%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 599

% Daily Value*

Calories 599kcal 30%
Carbohydrates 64g 21%
Protein 23g 46%
Fat 29g 45%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Sodium 4mg 0%
Potassium 956mg 20%
Fiber 23g 92%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 70mg 7%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.