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refried beans recipe

refried beans recipe

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An authentic, homemade refried beans recipe using dry pinto beans, aromatics, and traditional fats to create a creamy, flavorful side dish that far surpasses canned versions.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound Dry Pinto Beans
1 medium White Onio
4 cloves Fresh Garlic
3 tablespoons Lard, Bacon Grease, or Oil
1-2 cups Vegetable or Chicken Broth
1 teaspoon Ground Cumi
To taste Sea Salt
For garnish Fresh Cilantro

Instructions

  1. Sort through the dry pinto beans to remove debris and rinse under cold water
  2. Soak the beans overnight in water, or use the quick soak method by boiling for two minutes and letting them sit for one hour
  3. Place the soaked beans in a large pot, cover with two inches of water, and add half an onion and a few cloves of garlic
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 60 to 90 minutes until the beans are very tender and mash easily
  5. Drain the beans, making sure to reserve at least two cups of the starchy cooking liquid
  6. In a large skillet, heat the lard or oil over medium heat and sauté the remaining finely diced onion until translucent and golde
  7. Add the minced garlic and ground cumin to the skillet, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant
  8. Add the cooked beans to the skillet and mash them using a potato masher or the back of a spoo
  9. Slowly stir in the reserved cooking liquid or broth while mashing until you reach your desired consistency
  10. Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then season with sea salt to taste

Notes

Never salt the beans at the beginning of cooking as it can toughen the skins.

Use an immersion blender directly in the skillet if you prefer a perfectly smooth, restaurant-style texture.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to three months.

For a vegan version, substitute the lard with avocado oil or coconut oil.

When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore the creamy consistency.