Authentic Refried Beans Recipe: A Time-Honored Mexican Delicacy

Refried beans, or 'frijoles refritos,' are a classic and beloved dish in Mexican cuisine. They are not only a delicious addition to burritos, tacos, or served as a dip with tortilla chips, but crafting them from scratch gives you the opportunity to experience the rich flavors and aromas of authentic Mexican home cooking. This recipe is not only a guide but also a journey into a heritage passed down through generations.

The Ingredients and Tools You Will Need

To prepare this homemade refried beans, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:

2 cups of dried pinto beans or black beans 6 cups of water for cooking beans 1 onion, quartered 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced 2-3 tablespoons of lard or vegetable oil Salt, to taste (Optional) Cumin, chili powder, or other spices for flavor

Additionally, you will need:

A large pot for cooking beans A skillet for refrying beans A potato masher or a fork for mashing the beans Optional: A pressure cooker for a quicker cooking time

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Refried Beans

Cooking the Beans

Soaking the Beans (Optional but Recommended)
- If you have time before cooking, soak the beans overnight in water. Drain and rinse them before cooking. Soaking the beans can significantly reduce cooking time and make them more tender. Cooking the Beans
- Place the soaked beans, onion, and 6 cups of water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beans are tender. If using a pressure cooker, this process can be shortened to about 30-40 minutes. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for using a pressure cooker. Draining the Beans
- Once the beans are cooked, drain them, retaining some of the cooking liquid. This liquid will be used to achieve the desired consistency during the refrying process.

Refrying the Beans

Sautéing the Garlic
- In a skillet, heat the lard or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Mashing the Beans
- Add the cooked beans to the skillet. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the beans to your preferred consistency, whether smooth or chunky. Adding Liquid and Seasonings
- Gradually add some of the reserved cooking liquid to the skillet, stirring well, to achieve the desired creaminess. Season the beans with salt and any optional spices like cumin or chili powder to taste. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently until heated through.

Advanced Tips and Variations

For added flavor, you can cook the beans with spices such as cumin or add diced jalape?os, bell peppers, or fresh herbs while refrying.

Alternatively, you can use canned beans for a quicker and more convenient option. Rinse and drain the beans, then mash them and sauté them in a skillet with a bit of oil or lard.

While this recipe is not the healthiest, it is an authentic Mexican home recipe. If you are avoiding animal products, you can use a mix of vegetable oil, vegetable shortening, or coconut oil.

Using Lel's Authentic Refried Beans Recipe

For those who prefer a more traditional method, here is an authentic recipe from Lel's former Mexican girlfriend's mother:

Ingredients for the Bean Grease

3 lbs of lard 1 lb of meat drippings from pork or beef products 2 lbs of bacon grease

Melt these ingredients in a pot and store them in the fridge. Using this bean grease in place of oil/lard will give your refried beans a unique flavor that many cannot replicate in a can.

Recipe for Lel's Traditional Refried Beans

Cooking the Beans
- In a large pot, cook 2 lbs of pinto beans with 2 1/2 ounces of lard, 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 1/2 teaspoons of beef base or a couple of bullion cubes. Cover with water and cook overnight or all day (about 8-10 hours). Refrying the Beans
- Mince some fresh garlic and sauté until fragrant in a skillet. Add the cooked beans to the skillet and mash them down using a potato masher. Combine with more bean grease or water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Seasoning and Serving
- Season the beans with salt, cumin, or other spices to taste. Heat through in the skillet and serve warm with tortillas, burritos, or as a dip with tortilla chips.

Remember, this method is not the healthiest, but it is a delicious and authentic way to make refried beans. Enjoy every bite, and share the tradition with your loved ones!