15 Authentic Mexican Refried Beans Recipe From Scratch Discover Culinary Perfection!

Ingredients You Will Need

1. Dried Pinto Beans

The first step in making authentic refried beans is to start with quality ingredients. For this recipe, you will need 1 pound of dried pinto beans. These beans are a staple in Mexican cooking and can be found in most grocery stores. Be sure to rinse and sort the beans before cooking to remove any debris or impurities.

2. Bacon or Lard

Traditionally, refried beans are made with bacon or lard for added flavor and richness. If you are vegetarian or prefer a healthier option, you can substitute vegetable oil or butter instead. For those who want to stick to tradition, you will need 4 slices of bacon or 1/4 cup of lard for this recipe.

3. Onion and Garlic

No Mexican dish is complete without the aromatic combination of onion and garlic. For this recipe, you will need 1 small onion, diced and 3 cloves of garlic, minced. These ingredients will add depth and flavor to your refried beans.

4. Spices

To give your beans an authentic Mexican taste, you will need a few key spices. These include cumin, chili powder, and oregano. You can adjust the amounts to your liking, but we recommend 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano.

Instructions

1. Cook the Beans

Start by soaking the beans overnight in a large pot of water. This will help soften the beans and reduce cooking time. Drain and rinse the beans, then place them back in the pot with fresh water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 hours, or until the beans are tender.

2. Fry the Bacon

If you are using bacon, cook it in a large skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan. If you are using lard or oil, heat it in the skillet over medium heat.

3. Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent. This will take about 5 minutes.

4. Add Spices and Beans

Next, add the cumin, chili powder, and oregano to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to toast the spices. Then, add the cooked beans to the skillet and stir to coat them in the spices.

5. Mash and Simmer

Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, mash the beans in the skillet to your desired consistency. If the beans seem too dry, you can add a splash of water or broth. Let the beans simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Crumble the cooked bacon (if using) and sprinkle it on top of the refried beans before serving. You can also garnish with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice. Serve hot as a side dish or use as a filling for your favorite Mexican dishes. With this authentic Mexican refried beans recipe, you can enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine in the comfort of your own home. Say goodbye to canned beans and hello to homemade deliciousness. ¡Buen provecho!