Refried Beans – A classic Mexican side dish
Refried beans are a traditional Mexican dish made from cooked, mashed pinto beans. The beans are first boiled until tender, then mashed with a masher or food processor, and then fried in a pan with a little fat, usually lard or vegetable oil, and sometimes with onions and garlic.
The result is a creamy, flavorful bean spread that can be used as a side or as a filling for a variety of Mexican dishes like burritos, tacos, tostadas, and enchiladas. Some variations of refried beans are also flavored with spices such as cumin, chili powder, or oregano.
Cooked beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and they’re also a great source of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Made from dried beans or canned beans, there are also vegetarian versions of refried beans that use vegetable oil instead of lard.
They’re also a great ingredient for burritos, they can be added to the filling of chicken, beef or pork, cheese and vegetables, or they can be spread on the tortilla before wrapping. They can also be served as a side, mixed with cheese, topped with sour cream or salsa.
Who invented bean curd?
The origin of bean puree is not well documented, so it’s unclear who exactly “invented” the dish. The dish has long been a part of traditional Mexican cuisine, believed to have been around for centuries. The name “refried” refers to the fact that the beans are cooked twice, once to soften them and then again to mash and fry them.
Chilled beans were traditionally made with lard, which gave them a rich and flavorful flavor. Lard was a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine, used in frying, baking and as a spread. The use of lard in the recipe is a key component that sets it apart from other bean dishes, which are typically just mashed or mashed without being fried.
It’s likely that refried beans were created by native peoples of Mexico who used the ingredients and cooking methods at their disposal to create a delicious and nutritious dish. It’s also possible that the dish was created by Spanish colonizers who introduced new ingredients and cooking methods to the region.
Regardless of who “invented” the dish, it’s clear that bean butter has long been an important part of Mexican cuisine and is enjoyed by many people around the world.
What are they served with?
Cooked beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are used as an ingredient or accompaniment in many traditional dishes. Some of the most popular dishes served with them are:
- Tacos: They can be used as a filling for tacos, often with meat, cheese, salsa, and salad.
- Tostadas: A tostada is a fried or toasted tortilla that can be topped with beans, meat, cheese, lettuce, and salsa.
- Enchiladas: Enchiladas are tortillas rolled around a filling, usually meat or cheese, and topped with a chili sauce. They can be used as a filling for enchiladas or as a side dish.
- Quesadillas: A quesadilla is a tortilla filled with cheese and other ingredients, which is then grilled or fried. They can be added as a filling with cheese, meat or vegetables.
- Tamales: Tamales are a traditional Mesoamerican dish made with masa (corn-based dough) and can be stuffed with a variety of meats, cheeses, or vegetables. Fried beans are also a common filling option.
- Huevos Rancheros: A traditional Mexican breakfast dish consisting of fried eggs served on a tortilla and topped with refried beans, salsa, cheese and avocado.
- Chile Relleno: A chili relleno is a roasted, peeled and stuffed chili pepper that can be stuffed with cheese, meat, vegetables or beans.
- Nachos: Nachos are tortilla chips topped with cheese, jalapenos, and various other toppings, and refried beans are a common topping option.
- Burritos: A burrito is a type of Mexican dish consisting of a large flour tortilla wrapped around a filling of rice, beans, meat, cheese, salsa, and various toppings. Fried beans are a common filling option.
These are just a few examples of how beans are used in Mexican cuisine, there are many other traditional and modern dishes that use beans as an ingredient or accompaniment.
Refreshed Beans
A traditional Mexican dish made with mashed pinto beans.
Servings: 6 People
ingredients
- 1 Pound dried pinto beans washed and picked up
- 1 Onion rolled
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- ΒΌ Cup lard or vegetable oil
- salt and pepper taste good
instructions
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Soak the pinto beans in water overnight or at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse beans before use.
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In a large saucepan, add the soaked beans and enough water to cover the beans by 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Let the beans simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Drain the beans and reserve the liquid.
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In a large skillet, heat lard or oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
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Add the cooked beans to the pan and mash with a potato masher or fork until well mashed. If the beans are too thick, you can add some of the reserved liquid to get the consistency you want.
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Season the beans with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the beans are warmed through.
Remarks
This recipe makes 6-8 servings. You can also add spices like cumin, chili powder, or oregano while you cook the beans to give them more flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use vegetable oil instead of lard.