Skip to main content

Refried Beans

Refried beans are frijoles de la olla that have been fried in a little fat. Because they are traditionally cooked in lard, they aren’t really known for their healthful qualities, but this version uses a fairly small amount of butter and olive oil instead. You still get a very rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for filling tacos or for serving alongside grilled steaks. Double or even quadruple this recipe as needed.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 1 cup

Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 serrano chile, stemmed, halved, and seeded
1 1/2 cups cooked Frijoles de la Olla (page 155), plus 1/2 cup cooking liquid
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

  1. Melt the butter with the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the serrano chile and cook for 1 minute, or until the chile is beginning to brown. Add the beans and the cooking liquid. Cook over medium heat, mashing the beans frequently, until they form a thick paste, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Fresh Mexico
Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
Upgrade any cookout—or keep the cooking on the stovetop—with these smashed cast-iron bison burgers, then stack with lemon mayo and a crisp cucumber-onion slaw.
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
Hawai‘i's beloved fried chicken is crispy, sweet, and savory.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Summer’s best produce cooked into one vibrant, silky, flavor-packed dish.