Recipe courtesy of Emeril Lagasse

Refried Beans

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  • Level: Intermediate
  • Total: 2 hr 40 min
  • Prep: 20 min
  • Cook: 2 hr 20 min
  • Yield: about 5 cups (8 servings)

Ingredients

Directions

  1. In a large, 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.
  2. In a large, heavy skillet, heat the bacon fat over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until soft, 4 to 6 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, 15 to 20 minutes, adding water a bit at a time to keep the beans from drying out too much.
  3. Remove from the heat and transfer to a decorative bowl. Sprinkle with the cheese and cilantro, and serve.