Simple Homemade Refried Beans
Simple Homemade Refried Beans are a versatile and creamy dish that can be enjoyed as a side, filling, or dip, perfect for any meal.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Potato Masher
Ingredients
Beans
- 1 cup Dry Pinto Beans Rinsed and sorted.
Water
- 4 cups Water For cooking the beans.
Onion
- 1 medium Onion Diced.
Garlic
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing.
Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Adds flavor.
Salt
- 1 teaspoon Salt To taste.
Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground, to taste.
Fresh Cilantro
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Cilantro Chopped, for garnish.
Instructions
- Rinse and sort through the dry pinto beans, removing any debris.
- Place the rinsed beans in a large pot and add four cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.
- Drain the beans, reserving about one cup of the cooking liquid.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and stir for an additional minute until aromatic.
- Incorporate the drained beans into the skillet, adding cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Using a potato masher, mash the beans to your desired consistency, adding reserved cooking liquid as needed.
- Reduce heat to low and let cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and mix in chopped cilantro before serving.
- Serve warm as a side, filling, or dip.
Notes
For variations, consider adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or sour cream for creaminess.