Refried Beans

I was watching The Pioneer Woman on the Food Network last week and she made refried beans from scratch.  I 've never thought about making them from scratch; just always bought processed and spiced them up. 

What a concept to make them from scratch and spice them the way you like them. 

Why haven't I done this before? 

Dried beans are cheap! 

Beans are easy to cook!

Beans can be canned!  Pressure canned.  Oooh, that's why?  I don't pressure can.

Beans are easy to cook!  Yeah, beans are easy to cook and who said I would have to can them?  We'll just eat 'em!!

Here's How....

Here's the ingredients and tools needed.

Dried Beans, Onion, Cumin,
Poblano Pepper, masher, sauce pan, & skillet
Missing from photo:  water, salt & black pepper

Pre-soak your beans.

I use the short method.  Place 1 lb. (1/2 pkg) of beans in a sauce pan and cover with at least 3 inches of water and bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 hour. Remove from heat.  Drain.  Let cool and refrigerate, if not using immediately.
 

Cooking your beans.

• Place 1 lb. of pre-soaked beans in a sauce pan and cover with water or broth by about 2 inches. 
• Bring to a gentle boil.
• Add 1/2 of a large onion, chopped.
• Add one poblano chili, chopped (no seeds or veins, unless you like it really hot).
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of Cumin or more, if you like it (I use 1 tsp).
• Cook uncovered until your beans are tender.

These beans are just about ready.

I use this test

Can I mash a bean easily between my thumb and index finger?

If yes, then the beans are done.

If no, keep cooking them.

• When beans are done, transfer them to skillet.

The beans will still have some liquid covering them, that's OK. 
Keep going, your beans are going to be yummy!

•  Place skillet over a medium low heat, using a masher or similar tool, mash your beans.

All mashed, now to thicken them up.

• Continue to cook the mashed beans until they reach the thick, smooth consistency you prefer.
• Remove from heat and serve with your favorite complements.

Do you prefer your refried beans dressed simply or do you like them dressed to nines?

Just cheese?

Cheese and onions?

Sour cream, please?

How do you like your refried beans?  Share your favorites with me, I love to try new food combinations.
 

Simply - sour cream and tobasco sauce

 

 

Simply cool - chopped tomatoes and sour cream

 



Dressed to the 9s
onions, tomatoes, sour cream and jalapeno slices

Go forth and refry beans!

      Love,
        RGW