Mexican Refried Beans

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Mexican Refried Beans

Mexican Refried Beans serve as a staple in countless households, bringing a comforting, hearty element to any meal. This delightful dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare. In this step-by-step recipe, you’ll discover how to create the most flavorful refried beans that are perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply as a side dish. Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love these Mexican Refried Beans. First and foremost, they are family-friendly and versatile, making them an ideal dish for any occasion. Easy prep means you won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, and the final product is a creamy, flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy. Packed with protein and fiber, these beans are a great choice for a healthy meal. Plus, they can be customized with your preferred spices and additions, making them suitable for many dietary preferences.

Ingredients

To make the perfect Mexican Refried Beans, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups dried pinto beans
• ¼ small white onion (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves (optional)
• 4 leaves epazote herb (optional)
• 1 large jalapeño pepper (optional)
• 6 cups water
• 1 cup reserved bean broth
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil of choice
• ⅓ cup white onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 whole chiles de árbol (optional)
• Large pinch of sea salt (adjust to taste)

These ingredients combine to create a sensory experience; the earthy fragrance of the beans cooking, the savory aromas of garlic and onions, and the vibrant kick from the jalapeño pepper all work together to create a truly delightful dish.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Soak the Beans

Begin by rinsing the dried pinto beans under cool water to remove any debris. Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight, softening the beans for the next step.

2. Cook the Beans

The next day, drain the beans and add them to a pot along with 6 cups of water. If desired, include the ¼ small onion, 2 garlic cloves, and epazote for added flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.

3. Reserve Bean Broth

Once the beans are cooked, strain them, reserving 1 cup of the flavorful bean broth. This broth will be essential for achieving the perfect consistency in your refried beans.

4. Sauté Aromatics

In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.

5. Mash the Beans

Add the cooked beans to the skillet. Using a potato masher or fork, mash the beans to your desired creaminess. Gradually add the reserved bean broth to achieve your preferred texture—smooth or slightly chunky.

6. Add Spice

For an extra kick, stir in the chiles de árbol and a pinch of sea salt. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

7. Fry to Perfection

Continue to sauté the beans for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing them to develop a slight crispy texture on the bottom. The extra cooking helps deepen the flavors.

8. Serve

Serve your Mexican Refried Beans warm, optionally garnish with fresh cilantro, crumbled queso, or a squeeze of lime for zest. Enjoy this delightful dish as a side or main dish, and relish the incredible flavors!

Tips & Tricks

• For added creaminess, incorporate a splash of cream or sour cream during the mashing process.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a blender to puree the beans after cooking, then sauté them as directed.
• Add additional spices, such as cumin or chili powder, for extra layers of flavor.
• Experiment with different types of beans, like black beans or navy beans, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Mexican Refried Beans are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside grilled meats, spicy salsas, or as part of a delicious taco spread. They pair beautifully with rice, queso, and guacamole for a complete meal. You can also enjoy them as a dip with tortilla chips or in burritos for a filling, satisfying dish.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: ~180
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 6g

These nutritional values make Mexican Refried Beans an excellent choice for a nourishing meal, rich in protein and fiber while being relatively low in calories.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store leftover Mexican Refried Beans, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little water or broth to loosen the texture.

For variations, consider adding chopped bell peppers, corn, or spinach for a nutritional boost. You can also make a spicier version by mixing in diced chipotle peppers or crushing red pepper flakes.

Conclusion

Mexican Refried Beans are a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Not only are they simple to prepare, but they also offer endless possibilities for customization. Give this recipe a try, and experience the comforting, rich flavors for yourself!

FAQs

1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans for a quicker option. Drain and rinse them before mashing, then proceed with the sautéing step.

2. Is it necessary to soak the beans overnight?
Soaking helps reduce cooking time and improve digestion, but if you’re short on time, you can use the quick soak method by boiling the beans for 2 minutes and then letting them sit for 1 hour.

3. How do I adjust the spice level?
You can increase the amount of jalapeño or chiles de árbol for a spicier flavor or remove them entirely for a milder version.

4. What can I serve with Mexican Refried Beans?
They pair well with tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, or simply served with rice and tortillas.

5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! The recipe is inherently vegan, just make sure to use plant-based oil and seasonings.

Mexican Refried Beans

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A creamy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a side dish.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 120 minutes
• Total Time: 135 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups dried pinto beans
• ¼ small white onion (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves (optional)
• 4 leaves epazote herb (optional)
• 1 large jalapeño pepper (optional)
• 6 cups water
• 1 cup reserved bean broth
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• ⅓ cup white onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 whole chiles de árbol (optional)
• Large pinch of sea salt (adjust to taste)

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Instructions

1. Soak the Beans: Rinse the dried pinto beans under cool water and soak them overnight in a large bowl with water.
2. Cook the Beans: Drain the soaked beans, add them to a pot with 6 cups of water, and any optional ingredients. Boil, then simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.
3. Reserve Bean Broth: Strain the beans, reserving 1 cup of the broth.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a skillet and sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
5. Mash the Beans: Add the cooked beans and mash to desired creaminess, adding reserved bean broth for texture.
6. Add Spice: Stir in chiles de árbol and a pinch of salt; adjust to taste.
7. Fry to Perfection: Sauté the beans for 5-10 minutes to develop a slightly crispy texture.
8. Serve: Serve warm, garnished with optional toppings like cilantro or queso.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or sour cream. Adjust spice level by varying jalapeño or chiles de árbol.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

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