Refried Black Beans

A rich, creamy side that perfectly complements any Mexican dish. Quick to make and big on flavor.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Cinco de Mayo, easy, from scratch

Servings: servings

1/4 cup avocado oil or lard, bacon grease, or olive oil
1/2 onion very finely chopped, plus more for garnish, optional
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
pinch crushed red pepper
2 cans cooked black beans with liquid (recipe note #1), or freshly cooked black beans with cooking liquid (recipe note #2)
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
chopped cilantro for garnish, optional

Heat avocado oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika and crushed red pepper. Add black beans along with some or all of the can liquid (recipe note #1). Cook and stir until beans are heated through and begin to break down, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Transfer bean mixture to food processor and pulse until beans reach desired consistency and return to pan. Or mash beans in the pan with the back of a spoon or a potato masher to your desired consistency. Serve garnished with onion and cilantro if desired.

I like my refried beans very creamy and use all of the can liquid. For a drier consistency, drain and reserve can liquid and add a little at a time to reach your desired consistency. Also note that the beans will thicken as they cool.
To cook dry beans with the salt soak method: soak dry beans overnight in a ratio of 1 pound of dry beans to 6 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt. The next day, give them a quick rinse and cover them by 1-inch in a slow cooker. Then cook on low until tender.
Store leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat in a skillet: cook and stir over medium-low heat adding water or broth a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. When hot, adjust seasoning and serve.

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