Homemade Refried Beans Recipe
This homemade refried beans recipe is simple and absolutely delicious. Refried beans are the perfect side dish for your favorite Tex-Mex dishes, like tacos, cheesy chicken, nachos, burritos, and more!
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- ½ lb. dried pinto beans
- ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro divided
- 2 tsp ground cumin divided
- 1 medium white onion minced, divided
- 3 cloves garlic minced, divided
- 4½ tsp kosher salt divided
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper divided
- 2 tbsp oil
- 4 tbsp lard bacon fat or unsalted butter
- garnishes: Mexican blend shredded cheese crumbled Cojita cheese, fresh cilantro, black olives, sliced jalapenos
Instructions
- Place the beans in a colander, rinse with cold water until the water runs clear, and pick out any discolored/dark beans. Transfer the beans to a large, lidded pot and cover with cold water by at least 2 inches.½ lb. dried pinto beans
- Add 2 tbsp minced fresh cilantro, 1 tsp cumin, ½ of the minced onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 3 tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.¼ cup minced fresh cilantro, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 medium white onion, 3 cloves garlic, 4½ tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Once the beans are at a full boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer 1½-2 hours, or until the beans are very tender.
- Save the cooking liquid by draining the beans in a colander placed over a large bowl.
- Heat oil and fat in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Reduce heat to medium-low and sauté the remaining minced onion until translucent and lightly golden (about 5 minutes). Stir often.2 tbsp oil, 4 tbsp lard
- Add 1 clove minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Stir well.
- Add the beans and cook 2 minutes.
- Add 1 cup reserved bean-cooking liquid and mash the beans with a potato masher. Cook until almost all liquid is absorbed or until the desired consistency. If more cooking liquid is needed, add 1 tbsp at a time.
- Season to taste with salt & pepper.
- When ready to serve: sprinkle the beans with cheese, the remaining chopped cilantro, and your favorite garnishes. Enjoy!garnishes: Mexican blend shredded cheese
Nutrition
Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 1313mg | Potassium: 424mg | Fiber: 4g | Vitamin A: 375IU | Vitamin C: 4.8mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1.8mg