Beans, a nutritional staple, have been a dietary mainstay for centuries. They are versatile, cost-effective, and a rich source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Refried beans are a classic dish that takes beans to the next level. They are a delectable blend of creamy, savory, and smoky flavors, often used as a side dish, filling for burritos and tacos, or a dip for chips. The process of refrying beans enhances their flavor and texture, resulting in a dish that is both delicious and satisfying. With so many variations and personal preferences, finding the best refried beans recipe can be a delightful culinary journey. This article will guide you through the secrets of creating the ultimate refried beans, exploring different recipes, techniques, and tips to help you achieve refried bean perfection.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
THE BEST HOMEMADE REFRIED BEANS
These are the Best Refried Beans Ever, and they only take about 15 minutes to make! You'll never go back to canned again. To make homemade refried beans, you'll need bacon (and the grease), onion, some canned (or cooked) pinto beans, spices, chicken broth, and I love adding fresh cilantro for a boost of fresh flavor.
Provided by Elizabeth Lindemann
Categories Side
Time 15m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a heavy skillet (I used a cast iron one), fry the 2 slices bacon until crispy on medium high heat. Remove the bacon and set aside. Chop into small pieces when cooled.
- Meanwhile, the diced onion to the bacon grease in the skillet; sauté until soft and slightly browned (about 2 minutes).
- Add the chili powder (1 teaspoon) and cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon); stir to coat the onions.
- Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans and chicken stock (1/2 cup). Use a potato masher (or a fork) to mash the beans to desired texture, then stir to incorporate with the liquid.
- Continue heating until heated through. It may seem pretty watery at this point. If there is too much liquid, continue heating until some of the liquid has evaporated, until you reach the desired consistency, stirring frequently, keeping in mind the beans will thicken additionally as they cool.
- Stir in cilantro (1/4 cup) if using, the chopped bacon, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 142 kcal, Carbohydrate 18 g, Protein 7 g, Fat 5 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 7 mg, Sodium 474 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving
BEST REFRIED BEANS
I used a couple of the other recipes on here for a guideline and did my own thing. It turned out so well that I thought I would share this recipe for the best refried beans. Top with grated cheese if desired. Enjoy with chips, in a burrito, etc.
Provided by anewshootingstar
Categories Side Dish
Time 9h50m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Put the pinto beans in a bowl and cover with 2 inches of water. Soak for 8 hours to overnight.
- Transfer the beans to a medium saucepan and cover with water by about 1 inch. Add onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, celery seed, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for 1 1/2 hours.
- Use a colander to separate the liquid from the solids. Transfer the solids to a food processor with diced tomatoes, hot sauce, oregano, and cayenne. Blend to desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 169.1 calories, Carbohydrate 30.9 g, Fat 0.9 g, Fiber 7.6 g, Protein 9.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 295.1 mg, Sugar 2.4 g
CHEF JOHN'S REFRIED BEANS
I don't think I would ever sit down to eat just a bowl of refried beans, but they make everything they're served on, with, or in, infinitely better. Just as long as you use lard to make them.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Side Dish
Time 12h10m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Drain soaked beans and transfer them to a stock pot. Add garlic, epazote, and cold water. Place pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Stir. Reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered until beans are soft, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Drain the beans and reserve all the liquid.
- Melt lard in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and salt; cook until onions start to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in serrano pepper and chipotle powder; cook 1 minute. Transfer drained beans into skillet. Mash about half the beans with a potato masher or back of a spoon. Ladle some bean cooking liquid to skillet. Continue to mash and stir beans as you gradually add more liquid. Mash until the beans have reached your preferred consistency and texture. Taste and add more salt, if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 317.2 calories, Carbohydrate 37.7 g, Cholesterol 12.2 mg, Fat 13.7 g, Fiber 12.4 g, Protein 12.2 g, SaturatedFat 5.2 g, Sodium 490.9 mg, Sugar 1.8 g
THE "BEST" REFRIED BEANS
I love this recipe, plus if you increase the amount of beans, you don't have to use them all for the recipe, the leftover beans are good to freeze and make refried beans in the future.
Provided by Mebriella
Categories Beans
Time 4h5m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place pinto beans and garlic in crockpot and cover with water.
- Cook beans until tender, usually 3 hours on high.
- In a large saucepan, melt the bacon grease on medium heat.
- Add DRAINED beans to saucepan, do not discard the bean broth though.
- Mash the beans with a mashed potato masher, you can make the beans as lumpy or as smooth as you wish.
- Once they are mashed to your liking, add the butter.
- Add enough bean broth to the mashed beans. You can add more if you like your beans close to the runny side, or less broth if you like your beans nice and thick.
- Lastly season with salt/pepper to your liking.
- ENJOY!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 89.9, Fat 4.3, SaturatedFat 2.1, Cholesterol 7.1, Sodium 20.5, Carbohydrate 9.8, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 0.1, Protein 3.4
REFRIED BEANS
Provided by Emeril Lagasse
Categories side-dish
Time 2h40m
Yield about 5 cups (8 servings)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large, heavy pot, combine the beans, bay leaf, and enough water to cover by 1 to 2 inches. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours, adding more water as necessary to keep covered. When the beans are soft, mash in the pot with a potato masher or the back of heavy wooden spoon. Remove from the heat.
- In a large, heavy skillet, heat the bacon fat over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until soft, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeno, chili powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 45 seconds to 1 minute. Add the beans and any cooking liquid from the pot, and the oregano, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring with a heavy wooden spoon, until the mixture forms a thick paste, 15 to 20 minutes, adding water a bit at a time to keep the beans from drying out too much.
- Remove from the heat and transfer to a decorative bowl. Sprinkle with the cheese and cilantro, and serve.
HANDS-DOWN BEST "REFRIED BEANS"
This is the best-ever recipe I've ever had for no-fry refried beans, and it happened as an accident after pureeing a "failed" old family 15 Bean Soup recipe. The soup was rescued after adding a little more broth (a little white wine might have worked as well) before heating, yet it immediately became clear that this "accident" produced the very best refried beans I've ever tasted for Mexican recipies of all kinds! Hope you like it, although it takes some time. Perfection deserves the extra effort, these really are the best no-refried "refried beans" ever!
Provided by Tana McH
Categories Beans
Time 16h45m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Soak the beans overnight, then rinse thoroughly. Cover with water times three (i.e., water three times the depth of the beans) in a large pot. Bring to frothy boil for one hour, then drain and rinse the suds off the beans.
- Return to pot or a crockpot, add remaining ingredients. Bring to boil, then set to low and cook for 6-8 hours more, adding water or broth as necessary. Even if you burn a little on the bottom of the pot, all is well -- the toasty taste will blend into and enhance the Grand Finale.
- After all this cooking the beans should resemble lumpy brown gravy. Ladle two cups or so at a time into a food processor or blender in batches, blend until very smooth.
- Use in place of traditional refried beans -- or reheat with just enough broth (or wine)to make an excellent gourmet soup -- and enjoy!
- NOTE: For Vegetarians use the vegetable stock and remember to only use the Tempeh as stated.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 170.8, Fat 11.5, SaturatedFat 4.1, Cholesterol 26.5, Sodium 816.4, Carbohydrate 8.9, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 4.5, Protein 8.5
Tips:
- Use dried beans for the best flavor and texture. Soak them overnight before cooking, or use a quick-soak method by boiling them for 1 minute and then letting them soak for 1 hour.
- Use a variety of beans to create different flavors and textures. Black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans are all good choices.
- Add aromatics to the beans while they are cooking, such as garlic, onion, and cumin. This will enhance the flavor of the beans.
- Mash the beans until they are smooth or leave them slightly chunky, depending on your preference.
- Season the beans to taste with salt, pepper, and other spices.
- Garnish the beans with fresh cilantro, chopped onion, or shredded cheese before serving.
Conclusion:
Refried beans are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a dip, a side dish, or a main course. They are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like them smooth or chunky, spicy or mild, refried beans are a great way to enjoy the flavor of beans. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give refried beans a try!
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