Few foods have a stronger association with Mexican cuisine than refried beans. When you order Mexican food in NH or around the world, refried beans are served as a side with nearly every dish. Savory and velvety, refried beans are a staple of Mexican cuisine with a long and storied history. We can trace their origins back to the ancient Aztecs, who cooked beans in a pot over a fire until they were soft and then mashed them with a mortar and pestle.
When the Spanish arrived in Mexico in the 16th century, they brought new ingredients and cooking techniques with them, including frying food in oil or lard. Frying the mashed beans improved the flavor and extended their shelf life. The result is what we know today as refried beans, beans that are cooked and then fried, not fried twice.
Today, people all over the world enjoy refried beans. They are a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish, as a filling for tacos and burritos, or as a dip. They’re also relatively easy to make, so you can try your hand at making them yourself.
Easy Recipe for Refried Beans
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried pinto beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup cooking oil (vegetable, olive, avocado, etc.)
Instructions:
- Sort the beans and rinse the beans.
- In a large pot, combine the beans, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add enough water to cover the beans by 2 inches.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the beans are tender, about 1 hour.
- Drain the beans, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
- Mash the beans with a fork or potato masher until they are smooth.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mashed beans and the reserved cooking liquid.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the beans are heated through and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese and fresh cilantro.
Mexican Food in NH | Los Primos
If you don’t feel like cooking, you can always get great Mexican food in NH at Los Primos! Visit us at 3 Amherst Road in Merrimack, or order online to enjoy your meal at home.