Although you can find refried black beans in cans, they are extremely easy to make from scratch, and the superior results will leave you hooked!
Contrary to the name, refried beans aren’t really fried, or fried again. These beans are simply simmered in a flavorful, lightly smokey broth with lots of aromatics until they are soft, and then mashed.
There are a lot of ways to mash the beans, but I’ve found that doing them by hand with a potato masher is the best way to go. The beans still retain some of their texture creating a more complex, rustic dish.
Refried Black Beans
Makes about 6 cups
8 Oz., Bacon, ½” Slices
1 Each, Sweet Onion, ¼” Dice
5 Cloves, Garlic, Minced
1#, Dry Black Beans, Rinsed
As Needed, Water
3 Each, Avocado Leaves
2 tsp., Ground Cumin
2 tsp., Ground Coriander
2 tsp., Smoked Paprika
To Taste, Kosher Salt
To Taste, Black Pepper
Method:
- Heat a large sauce pan over medium heat
- Add the bacon, and brown it
- Add the onions and the garlic, sweat until translucent
- Add the black beans and cover with about 2-3 inches of water
- Add the avocado leaves, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt and pepper
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer
- Simmer for about 3 hours, or until beans are extremely soft, adding water as necessary
- When the beans are cooked, place a colander inside a large metal mixing bowl
- Strain the beans into the colander, making sure to keep the cooking liquid
- Place the beans back in the cooking pot, and mash with a potato masher until smooth, or desired consistency
- Thin the beans to the desired consistency with the cooking liquid (the beans will thicken as they sit)
- Adjust the seasoning of the salt, pepper and other spices