How to Make Delicious Refried Beans from Scratch

Are you tired of buying canned refried beans from the grocery store, but are intimidated by the idea of making them from scratch? Fear not, making homemade refried beans is not only easy, but also incredibly flavorful. Plus, you’ll know exactly what ingredients are going into your dish.

First things first, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. You’ll need pinto beans (either canned or dried), onion, garlic, vegetable or chicken stock, and spices such as cumin and chili powder. From there, the process is simple: cook the beans, mash them, and then fry them up with seasonings until they’re creamy and delicious. Read on for step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to make your own tasty refried beans from scratch.

Introduction:
Refried beans are a staple food in Mexican and Latin American cuisine. They are perfect for adding flavor and nutrition to many dishes, from burritos, tacos, and nachos to sandwiches, salads, and soups. Making refried beans from scratch is a great way to create a healthy, delicious, and affordable protein source for your meals. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make refried beans from scratch. Let’s get started!

Section 1: Soaking the Beans

1. Choose the Right Beans

The first step in making refried beans from scratch is to choose the right beans. You can use either pinto beans or black beans for this recipe. Look for clean, dry beans that are free from dirt, debris, or insects. Buy them at a store that has high turnover to ensure that they are fresh.

2. Rinse and Soak the Beans

The next step is to rinse the beans under cold running water and remove any impurities. Then, place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Soak the beans overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften them and make them easier to cook.

Section 2: Preparing the Beans

3. Drain and Rinse the Beans

After soaking the beans, drain the water and rinse the beans again under cold running water.

4. Cook the Beans

Transfer the beans to a large pot and add enough water to cover them by about an inch. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer the beans for 1-2 hours, or until they are soft and tender. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top of the water.

5. Add Aromatics and Seasonings

Toward the end of the cooking process, add aromatics and seasonings to the pot to infuse the beans with flavor. You can add garlic, onion, bay leaves, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.

Section 3: Refrying the Beans

6. Drain the Beans

Once the beans are fully cooked, drain them in a colander and reserve about 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

7. Heat Oil or Lard

In a cast-iron skillet or large saucepan, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil or lard over medium heat until hot. Use vegetable oil or bacon fat for a vegetarian or non-traditional version, or use lard for a classic approach.

8. Fry the Beans

Add the cooked beans to the skillet and mash them with a potato masher or a fork until they are thick and smooth. Stir the beans constantly and add some of the reserved cooking liquid to achieve the desired consistency. Cook the beans for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are hot and bubbly.

9. Add More Flavor

For a richer and creamier texture, you can add some shredded cheese, cream cheese, or sour cream to the beans while frying. You can also add chopped jalapenos, diced tomatoes, or cilantro for extra flavor and kick.

10. Serve and Enjoy

Once the refried beans are finished, transfer them to a serving dish and garnish them with some chopped fresh herbs or diced green onions. Serve the beans hot as a side dish or use them as a filling for your favorite recipes. Refried beans can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Conclusion:
By following these simple steps, you can make refried beans from scratch that are healthier, tastier, and more satisfying than the canned variety. Cooking your own beans allows you to control the amount of salt, fat, and other additives in your food, and it’s also a great way to save money and reduce waste. So why not try making your own refried beans from scratch today? Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you!

The Ingredients Needed for Making Refried Beans from Scratch

Before you proceed in making refried beans from scratch, you need to be aware of the ingredients you must have to make them. Here are the ingredients:

1. 2 cups of dry pinto beans
2. 8 cups of water
3. 1 medium onion, diced
4. 4 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
6. 2 tbsp. lard or vegetable oil
7. 1 tsp. ground cumin
8. 1 tsp. chili powder
9. Salt, to taste
10. Pepper, to taste

1. Dry Pinto Beans

The first ingredient you need for making refried beans from scratch is 2 cups of dry pinto beans. You can get this from any grocery store near you. Make sure that before cooking them, you wash them properly. This will remove any dirt or debris present on the beans.

2. Water

You need 8 cups of water to cook the beans. You don’t need to use hot water, just warm is enough. Make sure to add enough water to cover the beans.

3. Onion

For the recipe, you will need one medium onion, diced. You can use white onions, but if they are not available, any other variety will also work.

4. Garlic

Using garlic in the recipe will enhance the flavor. For this recipe, you will need four cloves of garlic, minced.

5. Jalapeño

Adding jalapeño is optional, but it will add more spicy flavor to your refried beans. You will need one jalapeño, seeded and diced.

6. Lard or Vegetable Oil

You need to use lard or vegetable oil when frying the refried beans. The oil will ensure that the beans cook correctly and don’t burn. The lard gives the beans a rich flavor.

7. Cumin

To add a savory flavor to the beans, you will need ground cumin. For this recipe, one teaspoon of ground cumin is needed.

8. Chili Powder

Chili powder adds a unique taste to the beans. You will need one teaspoon of chili powder for this recipe.

9. Salt

Salt is an essential ingredient for this recipe. It will give flavor to the beans but don’t overdo it. Use to taste.

10. Pepper

You also need to add pepper to taste. Make sure that you don’t add too much of it. Use just enough to enhance the flavor of the beans.

With all the ingredients in place, you are now ready to start making your refried beans from scratch.

Preparing the Pinto Beans

If you’re using dry pinto beans, the first step is to soak them in water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Soaking the beans not only reduces the cooking time but also helps to remove any dirt or debris that may be present in them. Drain the beans and rinse them thoroughly before starting the cooking process.

Next, cook the pinto beans in a large pot of water until they’re tender. This can take anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on the freshness of the beans. Once the beans are cooked, drain them and set aside.

Cooking the Beans

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and garlic and cook until they’re softened and fragrant. This will take about 2-3 minutes.

Now, add the drained pinto beans to the skillet and stir to combine. Mash the beans with a potato masher or the back of a spoon until they’re mostly mashed. You can leave some whole beans for texture if you prefer.

Adding Flavor to the Beans

To add flavor to the refried beans, you can add spices such as cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. You can also add some diced green chilies or jalapenos for some heat.

Add some liquid to the beans to help them cook down and become the desired consistency. This can be chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water. Stir the ingredients together and let them cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re heated through.

Adjusting the Consistency

If the beans are still a bit dry, you can add some more liquid to get them to the desired consistency. Conversely, if they’re too watery, you can cook them for a few minutes longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

You can adjust the seasoning at this point, adding salt and pepper to taste. Once the beans are heated and the right consistency, they’re ready to use.

Serving Suggestions

There are many ways to serve refried beans. They’re a great side dish for any Mexican meal, such as tacos or enchiladas. They’re also delicious as a dip for tortilla chips or as a filling for burritos.

You can also use refried beans as a base for a delicious soup or chili. Simply add some diced vegetables and meat or beans to the skillet, along with some canned diced tomatoes, and let everything simmer together until the flavors meld. Serve with some grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a hearty meal.

Making refried beans from scratch is a great way to control the flavor and seasoning of your food. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and versatile side dish that complements any Mexican meal. Try out these steps today and enjoy the rich and creamy goodness of homemade refried beans.

Time to Enjoy Your Homemade Refried Beans!

We hope this guide has been helpful in teaching you how to make refried beans from scratch. It takes a bit of time and effort but the end result is worth it. So, grab a bowl, add some beans and don’t forget to sprinkle some cheese on top. You can also make some corn tortillas or serve it with rice, the options are endless. Thank you for reading and we hope to see you again soon for more tasty recipes straight from our kitchen to yours. Happy cooking!