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Refried Beans

Freshly rendered lard is the traditional fat for refried beans. Look for it at Latin American markets.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings (about 2 cups)

Ingredients

3 or 4 tablespoons nonhydrogenated lard
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 cups cooked pinto or black beans
1/4 cup bean cooking liquid
Salt

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a heavy pan over medium heat, melt: 3 or 4 tablespoons nonhydrogenated lard.

    Step 2

    When hot, add: 1/2 medium onion, diced.

    Step 3

    Cook the onion until soft, about 7 minutes. Add: 2 cups cooked pinto or black beans, 1/4 cup bean cooking liquid, Salt.

    Step 4

    Cook for a few minutes. Mash the beans with a bean or potato masher. Add more bean cooking liquid if needed: the consistency should be a little on the thin side, because the mashed beans will thicken as they sit. Taste for salt and serve.

  2. Variations

    Step 5

    Lard or bacon fat is very tasty in these beans, but olive oil can be used instead.

    Step 6

    Two or three chopped garlic cloves may be added to the cooked onions a minute before adding the beans.

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