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Mexican Refried Beans

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

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • â…“ cup white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 whole chiles de árbol (optional)
  • Large pinch of sea salt (adjust to taste)

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.

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