Refried beans

Refried beans (frijoles refritos) is a dish of cooked and mashed beans and is a traditional staple of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. Refried beans are traditionally prepared with pinto beans, but many other varieties of bean can be used, such as black or red beans. The raw beans are soaked overnight, stewed, drained of most of the remaining liquid, and converted into a paste with a masher (such as a potato masher, or in its absence, a fork or the b... more

Refried beans (frijoles refritos) is a dish of cooked and mashed beans and is a traditional staple of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. Refried beans are traditionally prepared with pinto beans, but many other varieties of bean can be used, such as black or red beans. The raw beans are soaked overnight, stewed, drained of most of the remaining liquid, and converted into a paste with a masher (such as a potato masher, or in its absence, a fork or the back of a large flat spoon). Some of the drained liquid, or chicken or vegetable stock, is added if the consistency is too dry. The paste is then traditionally fried with lard, typically in a cast iron pot or skillet, and seasoned to taste with salt and spices. For vegetarians, lard can be replaced by vegetable oil. Onion and garlic may be sautéed in the oil before the beans are added. In a home meal, refried beans typically serve as the main food accompanied by smaller, more strongly flavored dishes, but they may also be served as a side dish... less