🍲 Refried Anasazi Beans Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
📝 Description: Anasazi Beans, offered by the Adobe Milling Co and available online from Colorado, pay homage to the ancient Native Americans of the region. These beans, with their rich history, make for a delightful tortilla filling or a scrumptious side dish. Bursting with flavors, they are a blend of savory and spicy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch/snack option. This recipe is beginner-friendly and can be easily whipped up on the stove top in under 4 hours, making it a convenient and inexpensive choice for any occasion.
🥘 Recipe Category: Spreads
🔎 Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Pork, Onions, Peppers, Beans, Vegetable, Meat, Spicy, Savory, Weeknight, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
🛒 Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound bacon
- 3 onions
- 2 green peppers
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
🔪 Instructions:
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Cook Beans: Begin by cooking the Anasazi beans in a pot filled with 3 cups of water, allowing them to gently boil. Cover the pot and simmer until the beans are tender, which should take approximately 1 1/2 hours. Ensure to periodically check the beans to prevent overcooking.
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Drain and Save Liquid: Once the beans are cooked to perfection, drain them from the water, but be sure to save the cooking liquid. This liquid will be utilized later in the recipe to achieve the desired consistency for the bean mixture.
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Saute Aromatics: In a separate pan, heat a bit of oil or bacon grease over medium heat. Add in the chopped onions, green peppers, minced garlic, and the tantalizing aroma of sizzling bacon. Saute this aromatic medley until the vegetables are tender and the bacon is crisp, infusing the kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.
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Mash and Combine: Now, it’s time to bring everything together. In a large bowl, combine the cooked Anasazi beans with the sauteed onion, pepper, garlic, and bacon mixture. Begin mashing the beans with a fork or a potato masher, gradually incorporating the reserved cooking liquid into the mixture. Continue mashing and stirring until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency, ensuring that all the flavors meld together harmoniously.
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Adjust Consistency: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the consistency of the bean mixture by adding more or less of the reserved cooking liquid. Aim for a texture that is creamy and spreadable, perfect for scooping onto tortillas or serving as a delectable side dish.
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Serve or Freeze: Once the refried Anasazi beans reach the desired consistency, they are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them warm alongside your favorite Mexican dishes, or use them as a flavorful filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. If you have leftovers or want to make a larger batch to enjoy later, these beans can be easily frozen for future use. Simply portion them into airtight containers or freezer bags, label them with the date, and store them in the freezer for up to several months.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the refried Anasazi beans as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
- Use them as a flavorful filling for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or nachos.
- Spread them onto warm tortillas and top with cheese, lettuce, and salsa for a delicious and satisfying wrap.
- Enjoy them as a tasty dip with crispy tortilla chips or fresh vegetable crudites.
- Incorporate them into your favorite Tex-Mex recipes for an extra burst of flavor and protein.
📝 Chef’s Tips:
- For a vegetarian version of this recipe, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable oil or butter for sauteing the vegetables.
- Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding in your favorite hot sauce.
- Experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto beans or black beans, for a unique twist on this classic dish.
- Make a double batch of refried Anasazi beans and freeze them in individual portions for quick and convenient meals on busy days.
- Garnish the beans with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Indulge in the rich and robust flavors of these homemade refried Anasazi beans, and savor every savory bite. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying side dish or a mouthwatering filling for your favorite Mexican-inspired recipes, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to delight your taste buds with this delicious and nutritious dish!
