How to Make Refried Beans from Scratch

pinto beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Black beans are more nutritious, while canned beans save time and money.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier, while canola oil is often cheaper.

Start with dried beans, approximately 89 cents a pound.

Render bacon grease to use for cooking, or use canola oil as a budget option.

Chop one white onion and separate the cilantro leaves from the stems.

Saute the chopped white onion and cilantro stems in a couple tablespoons of bacon grease or oil until transparent.

Clean the dried beans thoroughly, checking for rocks or debris, and rinse them.

Add the cleaned beans to a pot and cover with water by about two inches.

Cook the beans on low to medium heat for a couple of hours until tender.

Once the beans are cooked, add salt to taste and mash them using an immersion blender, potato masher, or meat pounder.

Taste the mashed beans and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding a hint of Chipotle chili powder for flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary