Authentic Mexican Refried Beans Recipe (Frijoles Refritos)
Mexican refried beans or frijoles refritos are a Mexican food staple that everyone should master. You’ll love this easy authentic refried beans recipe because it’s better than canned or restaurant refried beans. This recipe makes THE best refried beans!
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 222kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups homemade pinto beans (include some cooking liquid or boiling broth too)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil of choice
- ⅓ cup of finely chopped white onion
- 2 to 3 whole dried chiles de arbol or dried/fresh chile of choice
- large pinch sea salt adjust to taste (kosher salt may also be used)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan, once it's hot add the onion and cook until browned and crispy (this gives it a great taste, or you can just sauté until tender.) Next add the dried or fresh chiles and cook just until they brown or begin to blister -- this happens quickly so be ready to proceed.
- Next add the boiled beans -- be careful because it will splash, allow to fry for about 3 minutes. Next add about ¼ cup of the broth and then begin mashing the beans until you achieve the desired texture. The broth will help with the mashing and you'll need to add a little bit of the broth to help you achieve the texture you desire.
- Continue to "fry" for about 5-8 minutes or until they have the consistency you want. Remember to adjust the consistency to your needs by cooking longer to thicken or adding more broth/water to thin out. Taste and add salt as desired.
Video
Notes
If you've started with my homemade boiled pinto beans, reserve the broth. If you'd like you can remove the onion, garlic, epazote and chile used to boil the beans, I like to keep the epazote, onion and garlic.
•You could also add mince garlic with the chile.
•veggie chorizo can be added for extra flavor if desired. First cook the chorizo through, in the same pan and without discarding the oil cook the onion (if using) and then mash the beans.
•Spices such as ground black pepper, ground cumin, achiote, oregano may also be used. Add them as you're mashing the beans.
Nutrition
Serving: 4servings | Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 402mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 133IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg