Frijoles Refritos II (Refried Beans)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Description:
Frijoles Refritos II, also known as Refried Beans, offer a delicious solution for those seeking to savor Mexican cuisine without the heat of a full meal. This versatile dish can stand alone as a satisfying snack or serve as a delectable side dish alongside your favorite Mexican fare. For a refreshing contrast, consider garnishing with chopped tomatoes and serving with a dollop of sour cream on the side.
Recipe Category: Cheese
Keywords: Beans, Mexican, < 15 Mins, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 186
- Fat Content: 12g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 7.3mg
- Sodium Content: 363.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 12.9g
- Fiber Content: 3.7g
- Sugar Content: 0.3g
- Protein Content: 7.2g
Ingredients:
- 2 cans pinto beans
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Romano cheese, grated
Instructions:
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Prepare Beans: Start by washing and draining the canned pinto beans thoroughly. This step ensures that any excess liquid is removed, allowing for a smoother consistency in the final dish.
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Mash Beans: Transfer the drained beans to a mixing bowl and begin mashing them using a potato masher or fork until they reach your desired texture. This step lays the foundation for the creamy goodness of refried beans.
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Season Beans: Once the beans are mashed, it’s time to add the flavors. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cumin, and thoroughly incorporate them into the mashed beans. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Some cooks prefer to use their hands for this step, ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed.
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Heat Olive Oil: In a small frying pan over medium heat, add three tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up before proceeding to the next step.
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Cook Beans: Carefully transfer the seasoned beans to the heated pan. Stir them gently to coat them in the olive oil and allow them to warm through. As the beans cook, use a spatula to press them down into the pan, creating a flat surface.
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Brown Beans: Once the beans are evenly spread in the pan, resist the urge to stir them. Instead, let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, allowing the bottom layer to develop a golden brown crust. This caramelization adds depth of flavor to the dish.
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Flip and Finish: After the bottom of the beans has browned to your liking, use a spatula to loosen the edges and carefully flip the beans upside down onto a heated platter. Don’t worry if the beans don’t come out in one piece; simply rearrange them as needed.
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Add Cheese: Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the flipped beans and generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses on top. The heat from the beans will melt the cheese slightly, creating a savory topping that enhances every bite.
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Serve: Frijoles Refritos II can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them a versatile addition to any meal. Serve them as a side dish or appetizer, or use them as a flavorful filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. Garnish with chopped tomatoes and offer sour cream on the side for a refreshing contrast.
Conclusion:
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, Frijoles Refritos II offer a delicious way to enjoy the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re cooking up a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests for a fiesta, these refried beans are sure to be a hit. So, grab your apron and get ready to impress with this easy, inexpensive, and irresistibly tasty recipe!
