Refried beans, or frijoles refritos, are a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine. If you’ve enjoyed Mexican food, you’ve likely encountered this creamy, flavorful side dish. From humble family tables to bustling restaurants, refried beans are a staple, often served alongside rice and a sprinkle of fresh lettuce. But what truly makes authentic Mexican refried beans stand out? It’s all about tradition, simple ingredients, and techniques that have been passed down through generations.
This recipe will guide you through creating truly authentic Mexican refried beans in your own kitchen. We’ll explore the secrets to achieving that signature taste and texture, focusing on traditional methods and ingredients that elevate this humble dish to culinary heights. Forget bland, canned versions – prepare to experience the rich, savory flavor of homemade frijoles refritos.
Bowl of refried beans with a spoon, showcasing the creamy texture
Why This Authentic Refried Beans Recipe Works
This isn’t just another refried beans recipe; it’s a journey into authentic Mexican cooking. Here’s what sets this recipe apart and why it will become your go-to:
- Authentic Flavor Foundation: We start with dry pinto beans, the classic choice for refried beans in Mexico. While canned beans offer convenience, dried beans deliver a depth of flavor and creaminess that canned simply can’t match. Soaking them overnight ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
- The Magic of Lard: For truly authentic flavor, lard is the traditional fat used in refried beans. Lard imparts a richness and savory depth that is unmatched by other fats. While neutral oil is a suitable substitute, and bacon grease is sometimes used, lard truly unlocks the genuine taste of frijoles refritos. We’ll explain why lard is not only traditional but also contributes to the best flavor profile.
- Simple Yet Powerful Aromatics: Garlic, onion, and a hint of jalapeño (optional) are the aromatic backbone of this recipe. They create layers of flavor that complement the earthy beans without overpowering them. The jalapeño adds a subtle warmth, not intense heat, enhancing the overall complexity.
- The Bean Broth Secret: Many recipes discard the bean cooking liquid, but this “bean broth” is liquid gold! It’s infused with flavor from the beans, spices, and aromatics, and we’ll use it to create the perfect creamy consistency as we “refry” the beans.
- Time-Tested Technique: This recipe follows the traditional method of cooking the beans from scratch and then “refrying” them in lard with aromatics. This two-step process is key to achieving the authentic taste and texture of Mexican refried beans.
Ingredients for Authentic Frijoles Refritos
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious refried beans. We’ll break down each ingredient and explain its role in the recipe:
- Dry Pinto Beans (1 cup): The heart of our recipe. Pinto beans are the most traditional choice for refried beans in Mexico, offering a creamy texture and earthy flavor when cooked and mashed. Black beans can also be used for a variation.
- Water (for soaking and boiling): Essential for hydrating and cooking the beans. We’ll use plenty of water to ensure the beans cook through and become tender.
- Salt (1 tsp, plus more to taste): Salt is crucial for bringing out the flavor of the beans and other ingredients. We’ll use it in the boiling water and adjust seasoning at the end.
- Mexican Oregano (1 tsp) or Epazote: These traditional Mexican herbs add a unique depth of flavor. Mexican oregano is more readily available and offers a slightly citrusy, earthy note. Epazote is more traditional but harder to find, contributing a slightly medicinal, earthy flavor that is characteristic of authentic refried beans.
- Cumin (1/2 tsp, plus more to taste): Cumin provides a warm, earthy spice that complements the beans beautifully and is a staple in Mexican cooking.
- Garlic Cloves (3): Crushed garlic infuses the beans with pungent, savory flavor during boiling.
- Small Onion (1/2 whole, 1/2 finely minced): We use onion in two ways: half an onion boiled with the beans to add depth to the broth, and the other half minced and sautéed to build flavor in the “refrying” stage.
- Jalapeño (1, finely chopped, optional): Adds a subtle layer of heat and flavor. Remove seeds for less heat, or omit entirely if you prefer no spice.
- Lard (1/4 cup) or Neutral Oil: Lard is the traditional choice for authentic flavor and texture. If using lard from carnitas, be mindful of existing seasoning. Neutral oil (like vegetable or canola oil) is a suitable substitute if you prefer not to use lard.
Ingredients for refried beans laid out on a wooden surface
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Authentic Refried Beans
Follow these detailed instructions to make perfect refried beans every time. We’ve included images to guide you through each step:
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Prepare the Beans: Begin by picking through the dry pinto beans, discarding any stones or shriveled beans. Rinse the beans thoroughly in a colander. For faster cooking, soak the beans overnight in a large pot filled with water. This step is optional but recommended.
Rinsing pinto beans in a colander -
Boil the Beans: Drain the soaked beans and place them in a large pot. Add fresh water to cover the beans by 2-3 inches. Stir in 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp Mexican oregano (or epazote), half an onion, and 3 crushed garlic cloves.
Adding ingredients to the pot with pinto beans -
Simmer Until Tender: Bring the pot to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the beans are very tender and easily mashed. Maintain a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process.
Pot of beans simmering on the stovetop -
Maintain Water Level: Check the beans halfway through cooking and add hot water as needed to keep the water level about 1 inch above the beans. Adding hot water prevents cooling down the cooking process. Maintaining the right water level is crucial for flavorful beans; too much water dilutes the bean flavor.
Adding hot water to the simmering beans -
Check for Doneness: The beans are ready when they are easily smashed between your fingers. Be careful, they will be hot!
Checking bean tenderness by smashing a bean -
Drain and Reserve Broth: Strain the cooked beans, onion, and garlic, reserving the flavorful bean cooking liquid (broth). You can use a slotted spoon to transfer the solids and pour the broth separately to save dishes.
Straining the cooked beans, reserving the broth -
Sauté Aromatics: Heat lard (or neutral oil) in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the finely minced onion and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, until almost translucent and starting to brown. If using neutral oil or fresh lard, season the onions with a pinch of salt. Skip this salt if reusing seasoned carnitas lard.
Sautéing minced onions in lard in a skillet -
Add Jalapeño (Optional): Add the finely chopped jalapeño (if using) to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Adding chopped jalapeño to the sautéed onions -
Add and Mash Beans: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the drained cooked pinto beans to the skillet.
Adding drained pinto beans to the skillet with onions and jalapeño -
Begin Mashing: Start smashing the beans with a potato masher, the back of a spatula, or a fork.
Mashing the beans in the skillet with a potato masher -
Add Bean Broth and Refry: Reduce the heat to medium. Continue mashing the beans to your desired consistency, gradually adding the reserved bean broth in increments as you mash. Add broth until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency. This “refrying” process melds the flavors and creates the signature texture.
Adding bean broth while mashing the refried beans -
Season to Taste: Taste the refried beans and season with additional salt, cumin, and/or Mexican oregano to taste. Start with small amounts and adjust to your preference. Remember, carnitas lard is already seasoned, so taste before adding more spices if using it.
Seasoning the refried beans in the skillet -
Adjust Consistency (Optional): For smoother refried beans, use an immersion blender to blend them directly in the skillet. Some prefer chunkier beans, while others like them completely smooth – the choice is yours!
Using an immersion blender for smoother refried beans -
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve your authentic Mexican refried beans hot. They are delicious topped with cheese, sour cream, or your favorite Mexican toppings.
Serving of refried beans topped with cheese
Tips for the Best Authentic Refried Beans
- Use Dry Beans: For the most authentic flavor and creamy texture, start with dry pinto beans. Canned beans can be used in a pinch, but the flavor will be less complex.
- Don’t Skip the Lard (If Possible): Lard truly makes a difference in authentic refried beans. It provides a rich, savory flavor that is hard to replicate with other fats. Look for leaf lard for the best quality. If you must substitute, use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.
- Soak Your Beans: Soaking the beans overnight reduces cooking time and helps them cook more evenly. If you’re short on time, you can skip soaking, but the cooking time will increase.
- Use Bean Broth for Creaminess: Don’t discard the bean cooking liquid! It’s full of flavor and essential for achieving the perfect creamy consistency in your refried beans. Add it gradually while mashing to control the texture.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and spices. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure your refried beans are flavorful.
- Customize Your Texture: Refried beans can be made chunky or smooth. Mash them to your desired consistency, adding more bean broth for a smoother texture, or leaving them chunkier for a heartier bean dish.
Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Frijoles Refritos
Authentic refried beans are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways. Here are some popular serving suggestions:
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside your favorite Mexican entrees like carne asada, carnitas, al pastor, or enchiladas. Refried beans and Mexican rice are classic accompaniments to any Mexican meal.
- In Burritos and Tacos: Refried beans are a staple filling for burritos and tacos. Spread them on a tortilla and add your favorite fillings for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
- On Tostadas and Nachos: Spread refried beans on crispy tostadas or tortilla chips as a base for toppings like cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
- As a Dip: Serve warm refried beans as a dip with tortilla chips for a delicious appetizer or snack.
- Breakfast Staple: Enjoy refried beans for breakfast with eggs, chorizo, or in a breakfast burrito.
- Tortas Ahogadas: As mentioned in the original post, these refried beans are perfect for Tortas Ahogadas, a delicious Mexican sandwich.
- Bean and Cheese Burrito: A simple yet satisfying classic – a bean and cheese burrito with refried beans is always a good idea.
Make it a Mexican Feast!
Complete your Mexican dinner with these other authentic recipes:
- Authentic Mexican Rice (Arroz Rojo): A must-have side dish that perfectly complements refried beans.
- Traditional Carnitas (Mexican Pork Confit): Tender, flavorful pulled pork that pairs wonderfully with refried beans.
- Al Pastor: Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, perfect for tacos and served alongside refried beans.
- The BEST Carne Asada: Grilled marinated beef that is a staple of Mexican cuisine and delicious with refried beans.
- Enchiladas Suizas: Creamy, cheesy enchiladas that are elevated when served with a side of authentic refried beans.
Enjoy bringing the authentic flavors of Mexico to your table with this easy and delicious refried beans recipe! Let us know in the comments how your frijoles refritos turned out and your favorite way to enjoy them.
