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Mexicoβ€ΊRefried Beans
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Refried Beans

Mexico

Frijoles refritos are not actually 'refried'; refrito means 'well fried' in Spanish. The beans are cooked, then mashed and fried until thick.

Creamy, savoury mashed pinto beans cooked with onion and garlic. A staple of the Mexican table.

Authentic Mexico Refried Beans recipe
Prep
10 mins
Cook
20 mins
Difficulty
Easy
Calories
190 kcal
Serves
6
Calories are an estimate based on ingredients used

Ingredients

2 x 400g tinspinto beans, drained (reserve a little liquid)
3 tbsplard or vegetable oil
1/2white onion, finely chopped
2garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 tspground cumin
1/2 tspsalt
50gqueso fresco or Cheddar, grated (optional)

Method

1

Heat the lard in a large frying pan and cook the onion for 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cumin for 1 minute.

2

Add the beans and 100ml of their liquid.

3

Mash with a potato masher, adding more liquid as needed, until creamy but still a bit chunky.

4

Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring, until thick. Season and top with cheese.

Chef's Tip

Lard gives the best flavour. If using oil, add a pinch of smoked paprika.

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Some recipe photos courtesy of Openverse and Wikimedia Commons contributors, used under Creative Commons licenses.
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