Refried beans, also known as “Refritos” in Spanish, are a classic Tex-Mex and Mexican dish cherished for their comforting flavor and versatility. This recipe, clocking in at just 12 minutes total time, including 2 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, is a quick and easy rendition that promises to tantalize your taste buds with its savory goodness. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients:
- 4 strips of bacon
- 2 cans of beans (typically pinto or black beans)
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 25.9 per serving
- Fat Content: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 3.9mg
- Sodium Content: 47.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 0g
- Fiber Content: 0g
- Sugar Content: 0g
- Protein Content: 0.7g
- Recipe Servings: 8
Instructions:
-
Start by frying the bacon in a skillet until it’s crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the bacon bits from the skillet and set them aside for later use. The rendered bacon fat will infuse the beans with rich flavor, so be sure to reserve it in the skillet.
-
Now, it’s time to add the beans to the skillet. Depending on your preference, you can use either pinto beans or black beans for this recipe. These canned beans are convenient and packed with flavor, making them an ideal choice for busy cooks.
-
Once the beans are in the skillet, it’s time to mash them using a potato masher. This step is crucial for achieving the creamy texture that defines refried beans. Keep mashing until the beans are smooth and warm, and they have absorbed the delicious bacon grease.
-
For a healthier twist on this classic dish, you can opt for fatless beans by using a non-stick skillet and omitting the bacon altogether. While the bacon adds a savory depth of flavor, you can still enjoy delicious refried beans without it.
-
To enhance the flavor profile of your refried beans, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder to the skillet. This simple addition will impart a subtle yet tantalizing taste that complements the creamy beans beautifully.
Recipe Tips:
- Experiment with different types of beans to find your favorite flavor combination. Pinto beans are traditional, but black beans and kidney beans also work well in this recipe.
- Customize your refried beans with additional seasonings such as cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika for a touch of spice.
- Serve your refried beans as a side dish alongside your favorite Tex-Mex or Mexican-inspired meals, or use them as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat them on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
In just 12 minutes, you can whip up a batch of flavorful refried beans that will delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends. Whether you’re craving a comforting side dish or a hearty filling for your favorite Mexican dishes, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy the irresistible flavors of homemade refried beans!
