Totally Tasty Homemade Refried Beans

Recipe Introduction

Craving Comfort Food?

Ever had that day where only proper comfort food will do? Honestly, sometimes I just need something warm and familiar.

That's where this refried beans recipe comes in. It is packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make refried beans at home that taste better than anything you can buy.

A Humble Beginning, A Delicious Result

Mexican refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine. It all started with humble origins as a way to use leftover beans.

This easy refried beans recipe is simple to make. Plus it can be customized to your taste. This recipe makes around 6 servings.

You can enjoy them as a side, a dip, or a filling for your favorite dishes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Forget bland, boring beans! This recipe gives you proper flavour. This is restaurant style refried beans recipe . It is healthier and tastier than what you get in a can.

The best part is that you are using real food!. So, ditch the processed stuff, and let's get cooking! You will learn how to make canned refried beans taste like restaurant .

Next step is to make refried beans from scratch

Getting Started: The Key to Creamy Refried Beans

Let's talk beans, baby! Seriously, choosing the right bean is crucial. Pinto beans are my go-to for the most authentic refried beans recipe .

I find they have the perfect texture. It makes it creamy when mashed. The secret to creamy refried beans ? Soaking them overnight.

What You Will Need

For Soaking :

• 1 pound dried pinto beans
• 8 cups water
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

For Cooking the Beans :

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 8 cups fresh water

For Refrying :

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup bean cooking liquid
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled cotija cheese

Pro Tip: Salt Your Soaking Water

Alright, here's a little secret I learned from my abuela: add salt to the soaking water. It helps the beans absorb water more evenly and cook up creamier.

Honestly, it makes a world of difference. Trust me on this one!

Time to Gather Your Kit! Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Refried Beans Recipe

Alright, before we jump into making the ultimate refried beans , let’s make sure we have all our ducks in a row.

You know, like prepping your station on Bake Off but way less stressful, lol. This refried beans recipe isn't hard, but having everything ready makes it way smoother.

Plus, this is key to making your refried beans experience a total win!

Main Ingredients for the Ultimate Refried Beans

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need.

• Dried Pinto Beans: 1 pound (454g) . This is the star, baby! Look for beans that are uniform in color. Avoid any with cracks or blemishes.

  Freshness matters. If they are old, the will be a pain to make creamy.

• Water: 8 cups (1.9 liters) for soaking and another 8 cups (1.9 liters) for cooking.

• Kosher Salt: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) for soaking.

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) for cooking and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) for refrying. Good quality oil is key.

• Yellow Onion: 1 medium (about 1 cup, 150g) finely chopped, plus 1/2 medium (about 1/2 cup, 75g) finely chopped.

• Garlic: 4 cloves minced (about 2 teaspoons, 10g). Fresh is always best!

• Ground Cumin: 2 teaspoons (10 ml) .

• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) .

• Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Oh my gosh, this adds that restaurant style refried beans recipe flavour!

• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: 1-2 finely chopped (adjust to taste).

• Bean Cooking Liquid: 1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved.

Seasoning Sensations: Level Up Your Beans

These little flavour boosters are game changers.

• Spice It Up : Cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika are our essential spice trio.
• Aromatics : Garlic and onion are a must for that authentic flavour.
• Substitution Station : No chipotle peppers? A dash of smoked paprika will do! Short on fresh onion? Shallots or a pinch of onion powder are your back-up.

Honestly, the better the ingredients, the better your chances of making delicious homemade refried beans .

Equipment Essentials: Keep It Simple

No need for fancy gadgets here. These are the basics you'll use to make refried beans :

• Large Bowl: For soaking those beans overnight.
• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For cooking the beans. I like my Dutch oven.
• Potato Masher or Immersion Blender: For achieving that perfect creamy texture.
• Skillet or Large Frying Pan: For the refrying process.
• Common Household Alternatives: If you don't have a potato masher, use a sturdy fork. If you don't have a dutch oven, use a regular stockpot.

These are the equipment essentials for this easy refried beans recipe and a key part of crafting amazing Mexican refried beans . Let's get cooking!.

Cooking Up Comfort: Restaurant Style Refried Beans Recipe

Honestly, is there anything more comforting than a big ol' bowl of refried beans ? They're so versatile. You know? Perfect on the side with some fajitas, stuffed in a burrito, or just scooped up with tortilla chips.

I'm going to show you how to make refried beans that are so good. You will never want the canned stuff again!

Prep Steps: Your Secret Weapon

Okay, so a little prep goes a long way here. We need our mise en place sorted. First, you will need to finely chop 1 medium yellow onion, 4 cloves of garlic, and 1 or 2 chipotle peppers.

Get all your spices measured out too. Saves so much time later. Trust me.

Essential mise en place: Have all ingredients measured and chopped before you start. Time saving organization tips: Measure out spices into a small bowl. Safety reminders: Wash hands thoroughly after handling chipotle peppers.

From Scratch to Scrumptious: The step-by-step

Follow these easy steps to make refried beans .

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in 2 teaspoons of ground cumin , 1 teaspoon of dried oregano , and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika . Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3. Add 1 pound (454g) of cooked pinto beans and 1/4 cup (60 ml) of reserved bean cooking liquid.
4. Reduce heat to low. Then, mash the beans with a potato masher to your desired consistency. I like mine pretty smooth but with a little texture, you know?
5. Stir in 1/2 medium finely chopped onion and 1-2 finely chopped chipotle peppers.
6. Simmer for 10 minutes , stirring occasionally, to allow the flavours to meld.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge, if desired.

Pro Tips for Creamy Refried Beans

Okay, here's where we elevate these homemade refried beans from good to amazing .

• Don't skip the cooking liquid. It adds so much flavour and helps create a silky smooth texture.
• Common mistakes to avoid: Under seasoning. Don't be afraid to add enough salt! It really brings out all the other flavours.
• For a richer flavour (we are talking authentic refried beans recipe here!), use bacon fat or lard instead of olive oil to refry. Oh my gosh! It's a game changer.

So there you have it, my friend! The easy refried beans recipe that will blow your mind. Forget about ever wondering how to make canned refried beans taste like restaurant , and enjoy your Mexican refried beans !

Recipe Notes for Absolutely Awesome Homemade Refried Beans

Right then, you've got the refried beans recipe . Time for a little chat about getting them just right! Cooking, like life, has its quirks.

Honestly, it's the little things that elevate Easy Refried Beans from "meh" to "OMG!". I always figure, why not nail it, yeah?

How Should I Serve These Scrumptious Refried Beans ?

Let's talk presentation. No one wants boring beige on a plate, do they? A dollop of creamy refried beans , swirled with a knife, looks proper posh.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a lime wedge. Boom! Instant restaurant vibes. As for what to serve with them? Honestly, you can't go wrong with grilled steak, fajitas, or just some crispy tortilla chips.

A refreshing agua fresca or a proper Mexican beer never goes amiss either. You know? Treat yourself!

Storing Your Leftover Mexican Refried Beans

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop those refried beans from scratch in an airtight container. They'll happily chill in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave or a gentle simmer on the stovetop will do the trick. You can freeze them too! Portion them out into freezer bags, lay them flat to freeze, and they'll keep for about 2 months.

To reheat from frozen, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and then warm them through. No fuss!

Spice Up Your Refried Beans Recipe

Fancy a bit of a twist? Swap out pinto beans for black beans. It changes the whole vibe! Or, for a veggie version, use olive oil instead of lard or bacon fat.

You can always dial up the heat with more chipotle peppers. My top tip? Add a pinch of cocoa powder for a subtle, unexpected depth of flavour.

Trust me on this one!

A Little About the Goodness Inside Authentic Refried Beans Recipe

These refried beans aren't just tasty. They're packed with fibre and protein. Did you know that beans are like the superheroes of the food world? They help keep you full and energized.

Of course, remember that restaurant style refried beans recipe can be relatively high in sodium, especially if using canned beans.

So watch your salt intake and enjoy them in moderation.

There you have it! All the insider tips for smashing your How To Make Canned Refried Beans Taste Like Restaurant and your Make Refried Beans game.

Now go on, get cooking and get stuck in! You've totally got this!