Cooking with dried beans enables you to use aromatics such as onions, oregano, and garlic to flavor them from the start! Refried beans are great served alongside eggs, as a dip, or inside a burrito. This recipe is simple and does not require soaking beans overnight, but does require a few hours to cook so plan accordingly. Out of pinto beans? Try substituting black beans-they work just as well!
Ingredients
Cooked Dried Beans
1/2 pound dried pinto beans or black beans (about 1 cup)
Water
1/2 medium onion, peeled and left whole
2 medium cloves garlic
4 sprigs fresh cilantro
1 bay leaf
Salt, to taste
Refried Beans
3 tablespoons olive oil, butter, lard or bacon drippings
1/2 cup chopped onion (1/2 medium onion)
1 teaspoon minced garlic (1 medium clove)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
3 cups (470 grams) cooked pinto or black beans, warmed, see notes for canned
2 to 3 lime wedges
Optional toppings: sliced or diced jalapeño, crumbled Mexican queso fresco or shredded cheese, diced white onion, diced tomato, or fresh cilantro