Homemade Refriend Beans using All Ya Need Seasoning

EASY Homemade Refriend Beans

Name: Homemade Refriend Beans
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound dry pinto beans; 1 Jalapeno Seeded or Jalapeno Salt; 1 large onion, cut into quarters.; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons oil; 1 tablespoons Flavor Junkie All Ya Need seasoning; 2 Tablespoons of Taco Fiesta Seasoning

November 18, 2024

Unlock the Flavor: Homemade Refried Beans Made Easy

Introduction

Refried beans are a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, loved for their rich, creamy texture and bold, savory flavor. While you can certainly buy canned refried beans, there's nothing quite like the taste of homemade. Not only are they healthier and more flavorful, but they're also surprisingly easy to make. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the simple steps to create your own delicious refried beans from scratch.

What Are Refried Beans?

Refried beans, or "frijoles refritos" in Spanish, are a dish made from cooked and mashed pinto beans that are then fried or "refried" in oil or lard. The end result is a thick, creamy bean spread that is often used as a base for tacos, burritos, nachos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.

While the name may suggest that the beans are fried twice, the term "refried" actually refers to the process of mashing and frying the cooked beans to achieve that signature texture. Traditionally, refried beans are made by first boiling the pinto beans until soft, then mashing them and cooking them again in fat until they reach the desired consistency.

The Benefits of Homemade Refried Beans

There are several advantages to making your own refried beans at home:

Freshness and Flavor: Homemade refried beans are infinitely more flavorful than their canned counterparts. You can control the spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences, resulting in a more authentic and satisfying dish.
Healthier Ingredients: Canned refried beans often contain a laundry list of preservatives, fillers, and unhealthy fats. When you make them at home, you can use wholesome, natural ingredients and avoid any unwanted additives.
Cost-Effective: Pinto beans are an inexpensive pantry staple, and the other ingredients needed to make refried beans are generally quite affordable. Homemade refried beans can save you money compared to buying them pre-made.
Versatility: Homemade refried beans can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos and burritos to dips and casseroles. Having a batch on hand in your fridge or freezer makes meal prep a breeze.
Dietary Accommodations: Refried beans are naturally gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

How to Make Homemade Refried Beans

Homemade refried beans are a game-changer in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a flavorful, creamy bean spread that will elevate all your Mexican-inspired dishes. Give this easy recipe a try and experience the difference that fresh, homemade refried beans can make. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!

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Homemade Refriend Beans

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

Mexican

Author:

Chef Flavour

Servings

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

50 minutes

Indulge in the rich, homemade taste of refried beans made with simple ingredients and the delightful kick of Flavor Junkie All Ya Need seasoning. This easy recipe starts with dried pinto beans soaked overnight for optimal flavor and texture. Whether you choose the stove-top, Instant Pot, or slow cooker method, each step ensures creamy, flavorful beans that are far superior to canned varieties. The addition of sautéed garlic and aromatic spices like cumin and oregano enhances the dish, making it a perfect side for tacos, burritos, or just as a delicious dip. Top with cheese for an extra treat! Enjoy authentic flavors right at home!

Ingredients

1 pound dry pinto beans
1 Jalapeno Seeded or Jalapeno Salt
1 large onion, cut into quarters.
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoons Flavor Junkie All Ya Need seasoning
2 Tablespoons of Taco Fiesta Seasoning

Directions

Stove-Top

Rinse and Soak Beans: Rinse the pinto beans in a colander, removing any unwanted pebbles or pieces. Place the beans in a large pot and cover with water. Soak overnight.
Boil Beans: Drain the soaked beans and return them to the pot. Cover the beans with fresh water, adding enough to cover them by about 2 inches. Add the quartered onion and a couple of dashes of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally.
Fry Beans: After an hour, check the beans; if they are not fully cooked, let them simmer for a few more minutes. Drain the beans, reserving some of the bean broth, and remove the onion. In a large skillet (preferably cast iron), heat the lard or oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Season and Mash: Add the cooked beans to the skillet along with the ground cumin, oregano, and 2 tablespoons of Flavor Junkie All Ya Need seasoning. Pour in about ¼ cup of the reserved bean broth. Cook while gently smashing the beans with a potato masher or fork. Continue stirring and mashing until you achieve a texture similar to soft mashed potatoes. If needed, add more bean broth to adjust consistency. Taste and season with additional salt if required.
Serve: Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese if desired.

Instant Pot Method (No Soaking)

Rinse Beans: Rinse the pinto beans in a colander, removing any unwanted pieces.
Add to Instant Pot: Place the rinsed beans in the Instant Pot along with the quartered onion, salt, and enough water to fill the pot to about 7-8 cups.
Pressure Cook: Seal the valve and cook on high pressure/manual for 45 minutes. Allow the pressure to naturally release for 25 minutes.
Sauté Beans: Open the lid and test the beans for tenderness. Drain the beans, reserving ½ cup of bean broth, and remove the onion. Select SAUTE mode on the Instant Pot, add lard or oil, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Season and Mash: Add the beans back into the pot along with cumin, oregano, and 2 tablespoons of Flavor Junkie All Ya Need seasoning, plus ¼ cup of reserved bean broth. Mash and stir until desired consistency is reached.
Serve: Serve hot with cheese on top if desired.

Slow Cooker Method

Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients (dry pinto beans, onion, salt) into a slow cooker and cover with fresh water.
Cook: Cook on high for about 8 hours or overnight until beans are tender.
Drain Beans: Once cooked, drain the beans, reserving ½ cup of broth and removing the onion.
Sauté Beans: Heat lard or oil in a hot skillet, add garlic, followed by the cooked beans, cumin, oregano, and 2 tablespoons of Flavor Junkie All Ya Need seasoning along with ¼ cup of reserved broth.
Mash: Gently smash and stir until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Top with shredded cheese if desired and enjoy!

Recipe Note

I make these in the instant pot because it is just super easy. I use the saute feature and cook the onion, Jalapeno first. Then I add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Then add a little stock to deglaze the pan.

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