The Best Refried Beans Recipe by Chef John

Name: The Best Refried Beans Recipe by Chef John
Total time: 12 hrs 10 mins
Ingredients: 1 pound dry pinto beans, soaked overnight; 4 whole garlic cloves, peeled; 0.5 teaspoon dried epazote; 9 cups cold water; 0.5 cup lard; 1.5 cups diced onions; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 tablespoons minced serrano chili pepper; 1 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper

Refried beans might not be a standalone dish, but they enhance everything they accompany. The key ingredient? Lard, for that authentic, rich flavor.

Total time12 hrs 10 mins
Prep time10 mins
Cook time2 hrs
Yield8 servings, 8

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Servings

Ingredients

1 pound dry pinto beans, soaked overnight
4 whole garlic cloves, peeled
0.5 teaspoon dried epazote
9 cups cold water
0.5 cup lard
1.5 cups diced onions
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons minced serrano chili pepper
1 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper

Instructions

Rinse the soaked beans and place them in a stockpot. Add garlic, epazote, and fresh water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the beans soften. Drain, saving all the liquid.
In a large skillet, melt lard over medium-high heat. Add onions and salt; cook for 10 to 12 minutes until onions begin to brown. Stir in serrano pepper and chipotle powder; cook for 1 minute. Add the drained beans to the skillet. Mash about half of the beans using a potato masher or the back of a spoon. Add some of the reserved bean cooking liquid to the skillet. Continue mashing and stirring, adding more liquid gradually until the beans reach your desired consistency. Season with additional salt to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 317 kcal
Fat Content: 14 g
Fiber Content: 12 g
Sugar Content: 2 g
Sodium Content: 491 mg
Protein Content: 12 g
Cholesterol Content: 12 mg
Carbohydrate Content: 38 g
Saturated Fat Content: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g