Cooking Class Refried Beans

Transform your kitchen into a culinary classroom with this recipe for Cooking Class Refried Beans, a step-by-step guide to mastering this Mexican classic. Made with tender, slow-simmered pinto beans, aromatic garlic, and onion, and seasoned with earthy cumin and a bright splash of lime juice, this dish strikes the perfect balance between authentic flavor and creamy texture. Whether you choose traditional lard or a plant-based oil, the result is a versatile and satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an optional pop of color and freshness, and savor every bite of this hearty, homemade staple. Perfect as a side dish or a flavorful filling, these refried beans are an engaging recipe that will elevate your cooking repertoire.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried pinto beans
• 8 cups water
• 0.5 whole white onion
• 2 whole garlic cloves
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or lard for traditional flavor)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly under cold water, removing any debris or damaged beans.

Step 2

In a large pot, combine the rinsed beans, water, half of a white onion, garlic cloves, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 3

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Check periodically, adding more water if necessary to keep the beans submerged.

Step 4

Remove the onion, garlic, and bay leaf from the cooked beans. Drain the beans, reserving about 1 cup of the bean cooking liquid to use later.

Step 5

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil (or lard) over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the cooked beans to the skillet and mash them using a potato masher or the back of a spoon. Gradually add the reserved cooking liquid, a few tablespoons at a time, to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 7

Stir in the ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 8

Cook and stir the mashed beans over medium heat for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and creamy.

Step 9

Stir in the lime juice for a fresh, zesty finish.

Step 10

Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro, if desired. Enjoy as a side dish or use as a filling!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2444.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	932.4

Total Fat 43.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3261.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 107.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.4g	0%
Total Sugars 5.0g
Protein 34.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 340.8mg	0%
Iron 9.8mg	0%
Potassium 1796.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.0%

Protein: 14.2%

Carbs: 44.8%