Hands Down Best Refried Beans Recipes

THE BEST HOMEMADE REFRIED BEANS

Steps:

• In a heavy skillet (I used a cast iron one), fry the 2 slices bacon until crispy on medium high heat. Remove the bacon and set aside. Chop into small pieces when cooled.
• Meanwhile, the diced onion to the bacon grease in the skillet; sauté until soft and slightly browned (about 2 minutes).
• Add the chili powder (1 teaspoon) and cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon); stir to coat the onions.
• Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans and chicken stock (1/2 cup). Use a potato masher (or a fork) to mash the beans to desired texture, then stir to incorporate with the liquid.
• Continue heating until heated through. It may seem pretty watery at this point. If there is too much liquid, continue heating until some of the liquid has evaporated, until you reach the desired consistency, stirring frequently, keeping in mind the beans will thicken additionally as they cool.
• Stir in cilantro (1/4 cup) if using, the chopped bacon, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

HANDS-DOWN BEST "REFRIED BEANS"

Steps:

• Soak the beans overnight, then rinse thoroughly. Cover with water times three (i.e., water three times the depth of the beans) in a large pot. Bring to frothy boil for one hour, then drain and rinse the suds off the beans.
• Return to pot or a crockpot, add remaining ingredients. Bring to boil, then set to low and cook for 6-8 hours more, adding water or broth as necessary. Even if you burn a little on the bottom of the pot, all is well -- the toasty taste will blend into and enhance the Grand Finale.
• After all this cooking the beans should resemble lumpy brown gravy. Ladle two cups or so at a time into a food processor or blender in batches, blend until very smooth.
• Use in place of traditional refried beans -- or reheat with just enough broth (or wine)to make an excellent gourmet soup -- and enjoy!
• NOTE: For Vegetarians use the vegetable stock and remember to only use the Tempeh as stated.

REFRIED BEANS

Steps:

• Lightly drain the beans, reserving the juice from the tin, but do not rinse (you want the beans in about half the liquid from the can). Depending on the texture you prefer, either mash them roughly in a bowl or blitz them using a blender until smooth. Set aside.
• Heat the oil in a large frying pan or casserole and cook the onions for 8-10 mins until soft and golden. Scatter in the garlic, chilli and cumin seeds, and sizzle everything for 2 mins more. Tip in the beans, oregano, paprika and a pinch of salt. Cook everything together for 5 mins until the beans have heated through adding more reserved bean juice if it's too thick. Serve straightaway with a sprinkling of coriander, if you like, or leave to cool and keep chilled. Will keep chilled for up to three days or frozen for a month. Reheat with a splash of water mixed in.