Authentic Mexican Refried Beans Recipe
Authentic Mexican Refried Beans made from scratch using dry pinto beans, simmered with aromatic garlic and onion, then fried in lard to develop rich flavor and creamy texture. Perfect as a side dish or topping with optional cotija cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Seasonings
- 1/2 lb. dry pinto beans
- 1/2 yellow onion, cut into 1” chunks
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 garlic cloves, whole
- Water, as needed for cooking
For Frying
- 4 tbsp lard
Optional Topping
- Cotija cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Cook the Beans: Add the dry pinto beans, whole garlic cloves, onion chunks, salt, and dried oregano to a medium saucepan. Cover everything with about 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 1 1/2 hours or until the beans are very tender.
- Reserve the Bean Juice: Strain the cooked beans from the bean cooking liquid and reserve the liquid for later use in the recipe.
- Fry the Beans: Heat 4 tablespoons of lard in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cooked beans to the hot lard and fry for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly to incorporate the fat and start flavor development.
- Mash the Beans: Reduce the heat to low. Pour about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the reserved bean juice into the skillet. Using a potato masher, begin to mash the beans to your desired consistency. For extra smooth beans, transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until completely smooth. If the beans are too thick after blending, add water one tablespoon at a time until the right creamy texture is achieved.
- Serve: Plate the refried beans and top with crumbled cotija cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this traditional Mexican side dish!
Notes
- Using lard is traditional and adds authentic flavor, but you can substitute with vegetable oil for a different dietary preference.
- For creamier beans, blending is recommended after mashing.
- Leftover bean cooking liquid can be frozen for future use.
- Soaking beans overnight before cooking can reduce cooking time but is optional.
- Adjust salt to taste after cooking depending on your preference.
Keywords: refried beans, Mexican side dish, pinto beans, authentic Mexican recipe, lard, cotija cheese
Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/authentic-mexican-refried-beans-recipe/
