Proper Refried Beans from Scratch Goodness
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy making some proper grub? Authentic Refried Beans Homemade are easier than you think. These creamy, dreamy beans will blow your mind. The flavour is just...chef's kiss!
Brief Overview
This Mexican Refried Beans Recipe has been around for ages. Refried beans from scratch might sound scary, but it's dead easy.
This recipe makes enough for 6-8 people and is beginner friendly. It takes about 4 hours, including cooking time.
Main Benefits
Beans are packed with fibre, which is ace for your gut. These are perfect for a Tacos And Burritos night with your mates.
What makes these beans special? They are creamy refried beans recipe and taste unreal compared to shop bought tins.
Ready to find out how to make Homemade Refried Beans ? It is also great as Authentic Mexican side dish .
Let's Talk Ingredients
Here's what you'll need for this amazing Refried Beans Recipe . You know, that creamy goodness to stuff into your burritos or smear on your tostadas.
This ain't rocket science, just good old-fashioned cooking.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, let's get down to brass tacks. What do you actually need to nail these Authentic Refried Beans Homemade ? Don't worry, it's not loads, and you probably have most of it knocking about already.
Trust me; these are way better than anything you'll get out of a can.
Main Ingredients
Here's the breakdown. This makes a proper amount to feed a few hungry bellies.
- 1 pound (450g) dried pinto beans, rinsed. Quality beans are key, look for ones that are uniform in size and color. Avoid any that look cracked or damaged. The fresher, the better, you know?
- 8 cups (2 liters) water, plus more for soaking. Use tap water, no need to get fancy.
- 1 large white onion, roughly chopped (about 1 cup ). Go for firm onions.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon ). Fresh garlic makes all the difference!
- 2 dried chiles de arbol, stemmed and seeded (optional, for heat). Be careful, they're spicy little blighters!
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Don't skimp on the salt.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin. Adds that lovely warmth.
- 4 tablespoons lard, bacon fat, or vegetable oil. Lard gives that real Authentic Mexican side dish flavor but oil works too.
- Optional: epazote sprig. This is for cooking the beans, but don't sweat it if you can't find it.
Seasoning Notes
It's all about getting that balance right. These are the foundations of flavour.
- Cumin and salt are your base. They're the backbone of these Homemade Refried Beans .
- Dried chiles de arbol bring the heat. If you're not keen on spice, leave them out.
- Lard or bacon fat adds richness and depth. It’s a proper treat.
- No cumin? A pinch of smoked paprika can do in a pinch. It's not the same, but it'll add a smoky note, you know?
Equipment Needed
Honestly, you don't need anything too fancy to make these.
- Large pot or Dutch oven. This is essential for cooking the beans.
- Large skillet or frying pan. To fry and mash the beans.
- Potato masher or immersion blender. For that Creamy refried beans recipe texture. A fork works in a pinch, but it'll take ages!
- Colander or strainer. You will need this to rinse the beans.
For a quick clean up check my Easy Refried Bean Recipe and tips!.
Making Authentic Refried Beans Homemade doesn't need loads of gear. Good ingredients and some elbow grease is all there is.
Get Your Apron On: Authentic Refried Beans Homemade
Forget the canned stuff. Seriously, just bin it. We're making Proper Refried Beans: From Scratch Goodness ! Think creamy refried beans recipe , bursting with flavour.
It's the real deal , the kind your grandma would make... if she was a Mexican abuela, that is. This is soul food, mate.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, we need our mise en place . This is just a fancy way of saying "get your ingredients ready".
Rinse 1 pound (450g) of dried pinto beans and pick out any dodgy looking ones. Chop 1 large white onion (roughly, no need to be too posh), mince 4 cloves of garlic , and stem and seed 2 dried chiles de arbol (if you're feeling brave).
Also, remember your 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin . Got it? Good. Honestly, this Refried beans from scratch recipe will save you from ever going back.
Time saving tip: Soak those beans the night before. Trust me, it makes a difference. At least 8 hours soak time is recommended.
Cover them in plenty of cold water. Or, if you're in a rush, boil them for 1 hour then drain.
Job done.
step-by-step: From Humble Bean to Creamy Refried Beans Recipe
Ready to cook? Here's how it goes:
- Soak your rinsed pinto beans.
- Chuck your soaked beans in a big pot with 8 cups (2 liters) of fresh water , the chopped onion, garlic, chiles de arbol, salt, cumin. Optional: add an epazote sprig if you can find it.
- Bring it to a boil, then simmer. Like, properly simmer. We're talking 3- 4 hours until the beans are super tender. Add more water if they get dry.
- Remove 1 cup of bean broth and set aside. Lose that epazote sprig.
- Heat 4 tablespoons of lard (bacon fat or oil if you are veggie) in a large skillet over medium heat. Lard is the bomb but not essential.
- Add half the cooked beans to the skillet. Mash them up with a potato masher or immersion blender. Add the broth gradually to get that creamy consistency. Cook, stirring, for 10- 15 minutes until it thickens.
- Repeat step 6 with the remaining beans.
- Taste, season with salt. Serve up hot. You will make this Easy refried bean recipe forever.
Pro Tips: Elevating Your Mexican Refried Beans Recipe
- Don't skip the soak! Seriously, it's vital. Soaking is Key!
- Low and slow, baby. Don't rush cooking the beans. It's all about the flavour. The Low and Slow philosophy will make your Authentic Mexican side dish the best in town.
- Add a splash of lime juice at the end for a bit of zing. You know? It just works .
And there you have it, proper Mexican Refried Beans . Perfect for Tacos And Burritos , or just with some tortilla chips. Enjoy! Serving is Key!
Recipe Notes for the Best Refried Beans
So, you are about to make Proper Authentic Refried Beans Homemade ? Fab! Here are some extra pointers to make sure you nail it.
Honestly, even if you are a beginner, you can still get great results.
Serving Suggestions: Get Creative!
Alright, listen up! Presentation matters, even with humble Homemade Refried Beans .
- Plating and Presentation Ideas: Smear a generous dollop on a plate, sprinkle with crumbled cheese, and add a sprig of coriander. Boom! Instant restaurant vibes. Or, go rustic and serve straight from the pan. The choice is yours.
- Complementary Sides or Beverages: Think fresh salsa, guacamole, and warm tortillas. To drink? A nice, cold beer or a cheeky margarita. It's a fiesta in your mouth! Mexican Refried Beans goes well with almost everything
Storage Tips: Keep Them Fresh
Right, so you've got leftovers, you lucky thing. Here's how to keep your Refried Beans from Scratch in tip-top condition:
- Refrigeration Guidelines: Pop those beans in an airtight container and they'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure they've cooled down first.
- Freezing Options: Fancy batch cooking? These beans freeze brilliantly. Portion them out, freeze flat in freezer bags, and they'll keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a pan on the hob, stirring occasionally, or microwave until piping hot. Add a splash of water if they seem a bit dry.
Variations: Tweak to Your Taste
Want to jazz up your Easy Refried Bean Recipe ? Here's a few ideas:
- Dietary Adaptations: For a vegetarian version, just use vegetable oil instead of lard or bacon fat. Easy peasy!
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the autumn, roast some butternut squash and mash it into the beans for a sweet twist. Talk about Creamy Refried Beans Recipe .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Let's get down to brass tacks.
- Simplified Nutrition Information: These beans are packed with fiber and protein, making them a great source of energy. The estimated calories are around 250 per serving.
- Key Health Benefits: Beans are brilliant for your gut health and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. So tuck in! Tacos And Burritos are even better with this.
There you have it! Everything you need to know to make amazing Mexican Refried Beans . Now go forth and get cooking.
This Mexican Refried Beans Recipe will change your life. Remember, cooking is all about having fun, so don't be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on things.
You've got this, honestly! Enjoy your authentic Mexican side dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Authentic Refried Beans Homemade not as creamy as I expected?
Creaminess comes down to a couple of things. Firstly, ensure you've cooked the beans until they're incredibly tender practically falling apart. Secondly, don't be shy with the bean broth! Gradually adding it while mashing allows you to control the consistency and achieve that desired creamy texture.
Think of it like making mashed potatoes a little liquid goes a long way.
Can I make these Authentic Refried Beans Homemade in a slow cooker or Instant Pot to save time?
Absolutely, mate! For a slow cooker, follow the soaking instructions, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are very tender. For an Instant Pot, after soaking, cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
You'll still need to fry them up in lard or oil afterwards, but it'll save you some hob time.
What's the best way to store leftover refried beans? How long will they last?
Leftover refried beans can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage just portion them out into freezer safe bags or containers. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of water or broth to restore their creamy consistency.
They're just as good the next day, honestly!
I'm a vegetarian, can I still make authentic tasting refried beans?
You bet your boots! The key to authentic flavour lies in the spices and cooking method, not necessarily the lard. Simply substitute the lard or bacon fat with vegetable oil or another plant based oil like coconut oil.
You might miss a tiny bit of smoky depth, but the cumin, chiles, and slow cooking will still deliver a fantastic vegetarian version of Authentic Refried Beans Homemade.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans to make these refried beans?
While using dried beans provides the most authentic flavour and texture, you can use canned beans in a pinch if you are short on time. Drain and rinse the canned beans thoroughly. Skip the initial soaking and long cooking steps and proceed directly to the frying and mashing portion of the recipe.
Be sure to adjust the seasoning, as canned beans often contain added salt.
Proper Refried Beans From Scratch Goodness
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 10g |
