Homemade Refried Beans
Simple, Easy & Flavorful!
I’ve always liked refried beans, but my husband did not until I started making it from scratch which was a proud moment in my cooking career. The flavor of black beans and pinto beans is slightly different, I’ve found that both are equally delicious. The flavor that enhances the refried beans from great to absolutely delicious is bacon fat. While doing some research I found that most authentic refried beans included a small amount of bacon fat. Therefore I decided to use it to saute the onions and garlic which is than mixed into the cooked beans. Although if you want to keep it vegan use olive oil or coconut oil.
Refried beans, a staple at most americanized Mexican restaurants is usually topped with melted cheese & most likely from a jar. It’s how I learned to like refried beans, but when I started making my own last year I liked the flavors so much more. The bacon fat combined with caramelized onions and garlic make it the most delicious refried beans that I have ever tasted.
Well as always, I appreciate your visit to my second favorite place, Emma’s Daily Bread. CHEERS TO A HAPPY & HEALTHY DAY!
Homemade Refried Beans
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Dry Beans Pinto or Black Beans
- 3 Cloves of Garlic Minced
- Salt & Black Pepper To taste
- 2 TBSP Bacon Fat or Coconut Oil Use to saute garlic
Instructions
- Soak beans in plenty of water for at 24-36 hours. I usually soak them for 24-36 hours, this helps to make the nutrients of the beans more easily digestible.
- Rinse beans, boil in water till beans are mushy. Drain any residual liquid and mash the beans using a potato masher. I didn't make the beans completely smooth like mashed potatoes, but you can, it won't change the flavor just a smoother texture. You're the cook, you decide.
- While the beans are cooking, cook the minced garlic in bacon fat or oil of choice, saute for about 2 minutes on low heat. Add to the beans and mix.
- If you don't use all of the refried beans within a few days they freeze really well in a glass jar.
- I usually make a double recipe & use it for 2-3 meals. See below for inspiration.
- Healthy Layered Mexican Dip, which is already published on my blog.
- Quesadillas with refried beans, peppers, onions & cheese served with my homemade salsa and mayo/yogurt sauce.
- As a simple side with some melted cheese served with your favorite Mexican Dishes.
