"Refried" Beans

 

I love refried beans!  I am from the Southwest and this is one of the staples to the region.  I do not, however, like canned refried beans - never have.  They taste stale and too doctored.  Refried beans should be simple and clean in flavor.  Let the beans be the star.  My mama taught me how to make her recipe, and they couldn't be simpler!  Of course, they are processed free and you only need three ingredients.  The best part is there is no frying involved.  Put easy "refried" beans on the menu!

 

2 lbs. dried beans (pinto or pink)

water

2 Tbsp. sea salt

 

Pour the dried beans in a large pot.  Now add about 3 times as much water as the beans.  You need a lot of water because the beans will soak them up.  Bring this to a boil, then turn this down to a simmer with the lid slightly ajar for about an hour and a half.  Occasionally stir it, but don't feel like you have to babysit this at all.  After that time has passed, it should look something like this.  The beans have soaked up a lot of the water and are getting soft.  Now, stir in the salt.  You can't add the salt at the beginning or it will make the beans kind of tough. Put the lid back on, slightly ajar and let this simmer another hour to hour and a half.  

 

The beans will have soaked up even more water and been seasoned by the salt.  Turn off the heat and mash the beans.  You can use a potato masher, a blender, a food processor, whatever you have.  I like to use my immersion blender and puree them right in the pot.  If they seem too dry at any point (during cooking or blending) you can always add a little more water.  That's it!  Told you it was easy.

 

Here are a few ways to use them: make bean burritos, dip or layered dips, Mexican pizzas, tostadas, soft or hard tacos, add them to soup, use them in casseroles, etc.  These are also the perfect side dish for a Mexican feast.  I personally love to smear these on homemade Indian Fry Bread!  Another bonus is that ALL my kids like these beans - that makes this a winner of a recipe.  They also freeze really well, so don't throw our any left overs.  Whether you have a lot of dried beans lying around, want another option besides meat or just love refried beans, I hope you'll give these a try!