How to Make THE BEST Refried Beans
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs
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Additional Time
8 hrs
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Total Time
11 hrs 13 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
281 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
How to Make THE BEST Refried Beans
Description
How to Make THE BEST Refried Beans begins with rinsed pinto beans soaked overnight if dried, then simmered gently in water with aromatic ingredients including chopped yellow onion, smashed garlic cloves, and bay leaves. Extra virgin olive oil and kosher salt enhance the cooking liquid, which is carefully managed to keep the beans submerged and tender without breaking apart. After cooking, the bay leaves are discarded, and beans are seasoned further if needed.
The final step involves mashing the beans, with reserved liquid used to adjust thickness for creamy refried beans. The flavor foundation relies on the sautéed onion and garlic, which can be made fresh or are already incorporated if using the cooked beans from this recipe. Freshly cooked beans deliver a textured, flavorful base suitable for spreading on tortillas, serving alongside meats, or using in other dishes.
Patience during simmering and the careful combination of ingredients create a well-balanced refried bean with an ideal mix of softness and slight chunkiness. The choice of oils and seasonings supports a delicate savory profile that will complement a variety of meals where refried beans are a staple.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pinto beans rinsed in a colander, dried
- 4-6 cups water
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ yellow onion , chopped
- 4 cloves garlic , peeled and smashed
- 2 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Use dried or high-quality canned beans for this recipe. If using dried beans, add them to a large bowl and cover with 2-3 inches of cold water. Soak the beans on the counter overnight or for 8-24 hours. Drain and rinse the beans then add to a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Cover with 4-6 cups of cold water or so they're covered by about 3 inches. Add the chopped onion, smashed garlic, and bay leaves then drizzle with the olive oil. Season with kosher salt. Bring the beans to a boil. Skim off the foam that forms and discard. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook at a gentle simmer, uncovered, for about 2 hours or until tender, cooking longer if needed. Add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.
- Once the beans are cooked and tender but not breaking apart, remove them from the heat and discard bay leaves. Taste for seasoning and add more salt if needed.
- If using canned beans, reserve the bean liquid from the can for adding to the beans as they mash, adding water as needed.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a slotted spoon or strainer to add the beans to the skillet, reserving the bean liquid. Cook the beans until tender, stirring and lightly mashing with a wooden spoon as the beans soften, adding ¼ cup or so of the liquid at a time, cooking the beans so the liquid is absorbed. Don't let the beans dry out or they'll become pasty. If you run out of bean liquid, use water. Cook anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes until they're the consistency you like. Season with more kosher salt to taste and freshly ground black pepper.
Notes
- Reserve bean liquid to thin refried beans as needed for desired texture.
- Sauté onion and garlic before adding beans when using canned beans to build flavor.
- If using dried beans, soak overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 281 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 281kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Sodium | 885mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 806mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 9g | 36% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 2IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 73mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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