My Nanas Homemade Mexican Pinto Beans
How To Make Homemade Traditional Refried Beans From Scratch
Today a friend of mine came to me and asked about making refried beans. she was talking about how she has been craving Mexican food a lot, because she is pregnant, and tried to make her own refried beans from scratch, but failed miserably. I laughed and asked how she could have possibly messed up refried beans. She explained her process, and I realized, not everyone just automatically knows how to make refried beans from scratch.
I don't specifically remember my Nana teaching me to make her beans. I think it came from the 30 years that I have been watching her do it. The repetition has burned the process into my brain. I do know one thing however, nothing feels more comforting to me than a fresh batch of refried beans and tortillas after a hard day.
To think that not everyone just instinctively knows how to make this traditional comforting dish is sad for me. so, here I am, spilling the metaphorical beans that is my Nana's family recipe. Please enjoy!
Ingredients For Homemade Refried Beans
2 LBs Pinto Beans
2 Cloves Garlic
2 Chilis (of your preference)
2 Bay Leaves
Fatty Chunk of Pot Roast
Lard
The Best Pot For Cooking Beans
How To Make Traditional Pinto Beans from Scratch
Easy Pinto Bean Recipe From Scratch
Don't worry this is the first step in the process of making my Nana's homemade refried beans. Did I mention that they are completely from scratch? This is going to take a little bit of time, so you are going to have to be patient. I know, I know, your hungry for your authentic comforting Mexican food now, but patience is a virtue my friend. I think that is what my Nana's secret ingredient is.
1) First you need to go through your pinto beans and remove any rocks and debris you find. Rinse Thoroughly.
2) Next you will need to soak your beans in a 6 qt pot overnight. or about 6-8 hours.
3) When you wake up in the morning, drain the beans and refill with about 5 QTs of water.
4) Chop your garlic and chili and add to the pot. Add your fatty piece of meat as well.
5) Bring all the ingredients to a low simmer and cook for about 12 hours, stirring and gently mashing occasionally. The water will almost completely absorb and evaporate to a thicker consistency and the beans will be tender.
6) Serve up with your favorite traditional Mexican dish.
...Patience is a virtue my friend. I think that is what my Nana's secret ingredient is.
Have You Made Refried Beans?
How did they turn out?
How To Make Traditional Refried Beans
Easy Refried Bean Recipe
This is the easy part!
1) Grease the pan with a good amount of lard and heat over medium heat.
2) Spoon in some of your left over Homemade Pinto Beans and broth.
3) Gently mash your beans into the lard and continue frying until it reaches a pasty texture.
4) Serve up in your favorite Mexican meal!
