Refried Beans - Creamy, mashed pinto beans
Creamy Refried Beans are a classic staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, known for their creamy texture and rich, savory flavor. The dish is traditionally made by cooking pinto beans until soft, then mashing them and cooking again with onions, garlic, and spices until they reach a creamy consistency. They can be enjoyed as a side dish, used as a filling for burritos or enchiladas, or served as a warm dip for tortilla chips. Sprinkled with cheese and drizzled with a bit of olive oil, they can be turned into a comforting and satisfying addition to any meal. Description by ChatGPT.
Welcome to a delicious journey through Mexican cuisine with Cooking Con Claudia! Today, we're going to explore a simple yet essential side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Mexican meals – refried beans. Whether wrapped in a burrito or enjoyed on a tostada, these creamy, flavorful beans are sure to win over your taste buds. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to cook up some of the best refried beans you've ever tasted!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pinto beans (or your favorite type of beans)
- Water for rinsing and cooking (8 cups for cooking)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons bacon fat or lard
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, mashed
- 1 cup bean broth or water (adjust for desired consistency)
- Cheese for garnish (optional)
- Tostadas, lettuce, diced onions, diced tomatoes, and queso fresco for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Begin by sorting through the pinto beans. Remove any broken beans and small stones. Rinse the beans thoroughly in cold water.
2. Place the clean beans into an Instant Pot or a regular pot, add salt, and cover with 8 cups of water.
3. If using an Instant Pot, close the lid, set the vent to sealing, and cook the beans on the bean setting on high pressure for 45 minutes. Let the beans sit undisturbed for 20 to 30 minutes before releasing any remaining steam. Open the lid once the steam has been released and check that the beans are soft.
4. Carefully strain the beans, preserving the broth for later steps.
5. In a large pan over medium-high heat, melt the bacon fat or lard until hot. Sauté the diced onion and jalapeño (if using) until they have softened, about a few minutes.
6. Add the mashed garlic to the pan and cook for another 30 seconds.
7. Add the cooked beans to the pan and gently mix. Gradually stir in about 1 cup of the reserved bean broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
8. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, taste for salt, and adjust as necessary.
9. Begin to mash the beans with a potato masher or an immersion blender until you achieve your preferred texture.
10. Reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer until they have thickened to your liking, typically about 5 minutes.
11. Optional: Stir in some cheese for extra richness and flavor.
12. Serve the refried beans on tostadas with your choice of lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and queso fresco. Enjoy this hearty and comforting side dish!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes (including natural release time for Instant Pot)
Total Time: 70 minutes
Equipment: Instant Pot (optional), strainer, pan, potato masher or immersion blender
Cooking Tips: Adjust liquid to achieve the consistency you prefer—more for a runnier consistency or less for thicker beans. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Servings: 6-8 servings
Recipe attributed to Cooking Con Claudia and their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@CookingConClaudia.
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