Refrito Spread Recipes

REFRIED BEANS: FRIJOLES REFRITOS

Steps:

• In a large stockpot, bring the beans to a boil in 8 cups water. Let boil for 15 minutes and skim off any scum that rises to the surface. Drain beans in a colander and rinse. Wash out the pot and return the beans to the pot with 8 cups fresh water. Bring to a simmer, cover and let cook until tender, about 2 hours over low heat.
• In a large saute pan, heat oil over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Add onion and garlic and saute until the onion turns translucent. Add chili powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for a few minutes to allow flavors to integrate. Drain beans and add to pan, mashing the ingredients together. Heat through and serve with minced cilantro or minced parsley sprinkled on top.

FRIJOLES REFRITOS (REFRIED BEANS)

Steps:

• Combine water, pinto beans, and garlic into a large pot and cover; Cook over low heat for 5 1/2 hours; stir salt into beans and continue cooking until beans are very soft, about 30 minutes more.
• Heat canola oil in a skillet over high heat. Spoon the beans into the skillet without draining excess water; mash beans using a potato masher until they begin to lose their shape, about 3 minutes.

FRIJOLES REFRITOS (CLASSIC MEXICAN REFRIED BEANS)

Steps:

• Mash the beans in a bowl.
• In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
• Add the onion and the garlic; cook and stir until onion is deep golden, about 10 minutes.
• Stir in the mashed beans and cook for about one minute.
• Add salt to taste.
• Makes about one pint.

CREAMY PINTO BEAN DIP

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onion and cook until softened, 4-5 minutes. Add beans, garlic, and bell pepper and cook, stirring, until softened and warmed through, 4-5 minutes. Stir in chili powder and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
• Pulse bean mixture, vinegar, oregano, 3/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, and 1/4 cup water in a food processor, adding water by the tablespoonful if needed, until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Do Ahead
• Bean dip can be made 3 days ahead. Store in an airtight container and chill.

FRIJOLES REFRITOS

Steps:

• Heat the lard in a skillet over low heat, add the beans, and cook, mashing and stirring, until quite dry and a wooden spoon pulled through the center of the beans forms a long canyon, 15 to 20 minutes.
• If preparing the beans central Mexico-style, serve immediately, topped with a little cheese, if desired. If preparing rolled beans, continue to cook until the mass of beans pulls away from the side of the skillet. Shake the pan back and forth, sliding the beans to one side, then tilt the pan so the mass of beans flips over into a roll, like an omelet. A spatula may be used to help turn it. Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with the cheese and onion, and accompany with the totopos.

REFRITO SPREAD

Steps:

• Mash the beans. It should make about 1 cup.
• Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in oil.
• When the onion is done, add the spices and chili pepper. Cook until the pepper is softened and the spices are fragrant.
• Remove from heat and cool slightly.
• Add to the mashed beans and mix.
• Add cheese and salt and mix.