Ingredients
- 1 cup dried pinto beans, soaked overnight in a large bowl with water to cover by 2-inches, and drained
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup bacon drippings or lard
- 1 cup chopped yellow onions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced, seeded jalapeno
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped oregano
- 1/2 cup grated queso blanco
- 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro, garnish
Directions
In a medium, heavy pot, combine the beans, bay leaf, and enough water to cover by 1 to 2 inches. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours, adding more water as necessary to keep covered. When the beans are soft, mash in the pot with a potato masher or the back of heavy wooden spoon. Remove from the heat.
In a large, heavy skillet, heat the bacon fat over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeno, chili powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 45 seconds to 1 minute. Add the beans and any cooking liquid from the pot, and the oregano, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring with a heavy wooden spoon, until the mixture forms a thick paste, 5 to 10 minutes, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time to keep from getting dry.
Remove from the heat and transfer to a decorative bowl. Sprinkle with the cheese and cilantro, and serve.
Review This Recipe
You must be signed in to review this recipe.
or Register to Review
Newest Ratings and Reviews
Read all 15 reviews
By shyster27usa
on February 04, 2012
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
I have been making these beans for a couple of years and I absolutely love them! Sometimes I use black beans and if I want a smokey flavor I replace part of the Jalapeno with chipotle peppers. Also my wife likes to dip chips in beans so for her sometimes I run them through the food processor until smooth. If you like this you should try his Mexican rice and Chimichangas for a real mexican feast!
By marilynburrows_...
Scottsdale, AZ
on January 30, 2012
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
Excellent refried beans. Certainly better than anything that comes out of a can! (oh, yuck I actually used an entire pound of dried beans and the spice was just right for me. I used part bacon grease and part lard, which worked well. It will be my "go to" refried beans from now on. And, they actually were better the next day after a day in the fridge.
By Jill Runyan
on January 29, 2012
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
These refried beans are a real treat. We live in Loreto Mexico and as you can imagine, beans are a staple here... Well, we made this recipe for a dinner party and they were the hit of the soiree.
Read all 15 reviews