Refried Pinto Beans

Refried Pinto Beans, or frijoles refritos, are a delicious and classic Mexican dish known for their lush texture and rich, savory flavors. Traditionally, the beans are stewed in lard until soft enough to be mashed, but we have crafted a simplified and healthier version without compromising on taste. This recipe showcases the convenience of using canned pinto beans, making it a quick and delightful addition to your table in just 30 minutes. By incorporating smoky chipotle chile powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, tomato paste, cilantro, and lime juice, we have created a dish that bursts with authentic flavors and a silky, creamy texture.

MAKES 2½ CUPS

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed
• 1 cup water, plus extra as needed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped fine
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chipotle chile powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Process all but 1 cup of beans and water in a food processor until smooth, approximately 30 seconds, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the remaining beans and pulse until coarsely ground, about 5 pulses.
2. Heat oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add chopped onion and ½ teaspoon salt, and cook until the onion is softened, around 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, minced garlic, ground cumin, chipotle chile powder, and dried oregano, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in the bean mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until well combined and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
4. Off heat, stir in minced cilantro and lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with additional hot water if needed.
5. Serve the Refried Pinto Beans warm and enjoy the delightful flavors and creamy texture of this classic Mexican dish.

TIPS:

• Canned Pinto Beans: While dried beans can be used, rinsed canned pinto beans work just as well and save you the time and effort of cooking beans from scratch.
• Flavorful Spices: The combination of smoky chipotle chile powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano provides the authentic and robust flavor profile of refried beans. Adjust the chipotle chile powder to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Creamy Texture: Processing a portion of the beans with water in a food processor creates the desired creamy texture. Pulsing the remaining beans ensures a mix of smooth and chunky bites, adding to the overall enjoyment.
• Tomato Paste: Adding umami-rich tomato paste enhances the savory depth of the beans, bringing out even more robust flavors.
• Cilantro and Lime: The finishing touch of minced fresh cilantro and lime juice adds a bright and refreshing element to the dish, elevating the flavors to another level.
• Adjusting Consistency: Feel free to add additional hot water as needed to adjust the consistency of the refried beans to your liking. This ensures the dish reaches your desired level of creaminess.

With this recipe, you can easily recreate the authentic taste of refried beans right in your own kitchen. Whether served as a flavorful side dish, a filling for burritos or tacos, or a dip for tortilla chips, these Refried Pinto Beans are sure to become a favorite in your home. So, savor the delicious taste of Mexico with this quick and easy recipe!