Skip to main content

Refried Beans

Refried beans are frijoles de la olla that have been fried in a little fat. Because they are traditionally cooked in lard, they aren’t really known for their healthful qualities, but this version uses a fairly small amount of butter and olive oil instead. You still get a very rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for filling tacos or for serving alongside grilled steaks. Double or even quadruple this recipe as needed.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 1 cup

Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 serrano chile, stemmed, halved, and seeded
1 1/2 cups cooked Frijoles de la Olla (page 155), plus 1/2 cup cooking liquid
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

  1. Melt the butter with the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the serrano chile and cook for 1 minute, or until the chile is beginning to brown. Add the beans and the cooking liquid. Cook over medium heat, mashing the beans frequently, until they form a thick paste, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Fresh Mexico
Read More
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like coconut lentil soup and chicken stroganoff.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Use this classic lemon curd on scones, in yogurt, or between layers of meringue.