Best Best Refried Beans Recipes

BEST REFRIED BEANS

Steps:

• Put the pinto beans in a bowl and cover with 2 inches of water. Soak for 8 hours to overnight.
• Transfer the beans to a medium saucepan and cover with water by about 1 inch. Add onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, celery seed, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for 1 1/2 hours.
• Use a colander to separate the liquid from the solids. Transfer the solids to a food processor with diced tomatoes, hot sauce, oregano, and cayenne. Blend to desired consistency.

HANDS-DOWN BEST "REFRIED BEANS"

Steps:

• Soak the beans overnight, then rinse thoroughly. Cover with water times three (i.e., water three times the depth of the beans) in a large pot. Bring to frothy boil for one hour, then drain and rinse the suds off the beans.
• Return to pot or a crockpot, add remaining ingredients. Bring to boil, then set to low and cook for 6-8 hours more, adding water or broth as necessary. Even if you burn a little on the bottom of the pot, all is well -- the toasty taste will blend into and enhance the Grand Finale.
• After all this cooking the beans should resemble lumpy brown gravy. Ladle two cups or so at a time into a food processor or blender in batches, blend until very smooth.
• Use in place of traditional refried beans -- or reheat with just enough broth (or wine)to make an excellent gourmet soup -- and enjoy!
• NOTE: For Vegetarians use the vegetable stock and remember to only use the Tempeh as stated.

THE BEST REFRIED BEANS EVER

Steps:

• In a heavy skillet (I used a cast iron one), fry the 2 slices bacon until crispy on medium high heat. Remove the bacon and set aside. Chop into small pieces when cooled.
• Meanwhile, add to the bacon grease the onion; sauté until soft and slightly browned (about 2 minutes).
• Add the chili powder (1 teaspoon) and cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon); stir to coat the onions.
• Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans and chicken stock (1/2 cup). Use a potato masher (or a fork) to mash the beans to desired texture, then stir to incorporate with the liquid.
• Continue heating until heated through. If there is too much liquid, continue heating until some of the liquid has evaporated, until you reach the desired consistency, stirring frequently, keeping in mind the beans will thicken as they cool.
• Stir in cilantro (1/4 cup), chopped bacon, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.