I. Introduction
Refried beans are a staple in most Mexican households and are a favorite side dish in many other cultures. They are delicious and versatile, but they can be challenging to make. The great news is that there are different ways of making refried beans to choose from, allowing you to select the one that suits your taste. This article will explore seven ways of making refried beans: the traditional Mexican way, quick and easy, vegan, spicy, cheesy, with bacon, and healthy.
II. The Traditional Way of Making Refried Beans
If you have the time and patience, making refried beans from scratch is a rewarding experience. The first step is soaking the beans overnight to rehydrate them before cooking. This soaking process helps to reduce cooking time and makes the beans softer and easier to digest once cooked.
When it’s time to cook the beans, drain them and add them to a pot with fresh water. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for 1-2 hours until the beans are tender. The cooking time may vary, depending on the type and age of the beans, so check them every 20 minutes. You can add seasonings like garlic, onion, and bay leaves to the pot to give the beans extra flavor.
To make refried beans, heat some lard or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cooked beans and fry them for 5-10 minutes, mashing them with a potato masher or the back of a spoon as you go. The frying process will help to eliminate extra moisture and add a crispy texture to the beans.
Season the beans with salt and pepper and add other ingredients like cumin, chili powder, or chopped jalapeños for more flavor. You can also add a bit of broth or water to make them creamier. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
III. Quick and Easy Refried Beans
If you don’t have the time or inclination to soak and cook dried beans, you can make refried beans quickly and easily with canned or leftover beans. Drain and rinse a can of pinto or black beans and heat them in a pan with a bit of oil. Mash them with a potato masher or the back of a spoon as they heat to create a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper, and add your desired spices, herbs, or peppers to give them extra flavor. If you are using leftover beans, heat them in a pan with oil and mash them. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
IV. Vegan Refried Beans
If you are vegan and want to make refried beans without using lard, you can use avocado oil, coconut oil, or vegetable shortening instead. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat and add the cooked beans. Fry them as you would with lard, mashing them as you go. Add salt, pepper, and other spices, herbs, or peppers as desired. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
V. Spicy Refried Beans
If you love spicy food, you can add extra heat to your refried beans by adding more chili powder, cumin, and chopped jalapeños. You can also try adding hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Add these ingredients when frying and adjust to your taste.
VI. Cheesy Refried Beans
If you like cheese, try adding it to your refried beans. When frying the beans, add grated cheddar, Monterey Jack, or crumbled queso fresco. Alternatively, sprinkle cheese over the beans once they are on the plate. Adjust the amount of cheese to your liking.
VII. Refried Beans with Bacon
For a smoky flavor, add chopped bacon to your refried beans. Fry the bacon in a pan first until it is crispy. Remove it from the pan and set it aside. Then, fry the cooked beans in the bacon fat for several minutes, mashing them as you go. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once the beans are heated through and have reached the desired consistency, stir in the bacon bits. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
VIII. Healthy Refried Beans
If you’re looking for a healthier version of refried beans, consider using less salt and using a healthier type of fat, such as olive oil. You can also add chopped vegetables like onions, tomatoes, or peppers, which will add nutrients to your dish. Season with herbs like oregano or cilantro instead of salty seasonings. When frying, use a non-stick pan to eliminate the need for excess fat. Adjust the recipe to your liking and enjoy a healthier version of refried beans.
IX. Conclusion
Refried beans are an easy and versatile side dish that you can adapt to your taste. The traditional Mexican way, quick and easy, vegan, spicy, cheesy, with bacon, and healthy options provide many choices. You can try one or many of them and adjust the recipe to your liking. Whichever version you choose, enjoy the delicious and comforting taste of refried beans.
