Refried Beans

Refried beans are a classic Mexican dish known for their creamy texture and rich flavor. This slow cooker recipe allows you to easily prepare a big batch of refried beans that can be enjoyed as a side dish, filling for tacos or burritos, or as a dip for tortilla chips. The use of a slow cooker makes the preparation process simple and convenient. Additionally, these refried beans freeze well, allowing you to store leftovers for future use.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound (455 g) dried pinto beans
• 4 cups (950 ml) water
• 1 cup (235 ml) coffee
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 cup (160 g) diced onion
• 1 tablespoon (7 g) cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1½ teaspoons oregano

PREPARATION:

1. Rinse the pinto beans and place them in a large bowl. Cover the beans with water and let them soak overnight. This step helps soften the beans and reduce the cooking time.
2. Drain the soaked beans and transfer them to a slow cooker.
3. Add the water, coffee, minced garlic, diced onion, cumin, chili powder, and oregano to the slow cooker with the beans. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook the beans on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the beans are tender and easily mashed.
5. Once the beans are cooked, use a potato masher or a large spoon to mash them to your desired consistency. If you prefer smoother refried beans, you can use a blender or food processor.
6. Serve the refried beans as a side dish or use them as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. They can also be enjoyed as a dip with tortilla chips.

YIELD: 12 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 115 g water
• 141 calories (4% from fat, 24% from protein, 72% from carbs)
• 8 g protein
• 1 g total fat
• 0 g saturated fat
• 0 g monounsaturated fat
• 0 g polyunsaturated fat
• 26 g carbs
• 6 g fiber
• 1 g sugar
• 164 mg phosphorus
• 57 mg calcium
• 2 mg iron
• 13 mg sodium
• 580 mg potassium
• 139 IU vitamin A
• 0 mg ATE vitamin E
• 4 mg vitamin C
• 0 mg cholesterol

TIPS:

• You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. If you prefer spicier refried beans, you can add more chili powder or cayenne pepper.
• For a creamier texture, you can add a small amount of vegetable oil or butter to the beans while mashing them.
• Leftover refried beans can be stored in airtight containers and refrigerated for up to 4-5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• These refried beans are versatile and can be used in various dishes. They work well as a filling for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or as a base for huevos rancheros.
• Serve the refried beans with traditional Mexican accompaniments such as shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor.

Refried beans are a beloved and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. This slow cooker recipe allows you to effortlessly prepare a large batch of flavorful refried beans with minimal effort. The use of coffee in the ingredients may seem untraditional, but it adds a unique depth of flavor to the beans, enhancing their overall taste profile.

The slow cooker method is ideal for cooking beans as it ensures that they become tender and develop a rich, creamy texture. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and satisfying dish.

These refried beans have a fairly traditional flavor profile and are not overly spicy, making them suitable for those who prefer milder dishes. However, you can easily adjust the seasonings to add more heat if desired by increasing the amount of chili powder or adding cayenne pepper.

The versatility of refried beans makes them a fantastic addition to any Mexican-inspired meal. They can be served as a flavorful side dish, paired with rice and your choice of protein, or used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. The creamy texture and savory taste of the refried beans complement a wide range of ingredients and make them a crowd-pleaser.

Furthermore, these refried beans freeze well, allowing you to conveniently store any leftovers for future use. Simply divide them into portions, place them in airtight containers or freezer bags, and freeze. Thaw the frozen refried beans in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Whether you’re hosting a Mexican-themed gathering, preparing a weeknight dinner, or looking for a make-ahead dish, these slow cooker refried beans are a fantastic choice. They are a delicious and satisfying addition to any meal and are sure to impress your family and friends.

Enjoy the rich flavors, creamy texture, and convenience of homemade refried beans made in the slow cooker. With their versatile nature and traditional taste, they are a great way to bring a taste of Mexico to your table.