Homemade Refried Beans

Homemade Refried Beans
By Cubbybear on TOH BB 6/14/2004

Pinto Beans
Ingredients

4 cups water
1 lb dried pinto or black beans (about 2 cups)
1 med onion,chopped
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic
1 slice bacon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cumin

Mix water,beans and onion in 4 qt Dutch oven. Cover and heat to boiling;boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat;let stand 1 hour. Add just enough water to cover. Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling;reduce heat. Cover and boil gently,stirring occasionally,until beans are very tender,about 2 hours. Drain.

Refried Beans
Ingredients
1/2 cup oil or lard (I use less)
2 cups cooked pinto beans (see recipe above)
1 Tbl chili powder
1/2 Tbl cumin
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper

Heat lard i a 10 inch skillet over med heat until hot. Add pinto beans;cook stirring occasionally,5 minutes. Mash beans;stir in spices. Cook and stir until a smooth paste forms.

I don't "refry" the beans. After they are done cooking for the 2 hours,I add the oil and spices and then use my hand mixer and beat until desired consistency.

I also double the recipe using a 2 lb bag of dry beans. These reheat and freeze well.