Refried Beans – Cooks Illustrated

Jun 01, 2023June 1, 20230 15
Authentic Refried Beans Recipe - Cooks Illustrated
in Mexican

Prep

10 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

30 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
2 cans pinto beans , drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 ounces salt pork , rind removed and diced very small
1 small onion , chopped fine ( about 3/4 cup )
1 jalapeno chile , seeds and ribs removed , chile minced
1 poblano chile , seeds and ribs removed , chile chopped fine ( about 1/4 cup )
1/4 teaspoon table salt
3 garlic cloves , minced ( about 1 1/2 teaspoons of small cloves ) or 3 garlic cloves , pressed through garlic press ( about 1 1/2 teaspoons of small cloves )
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro leaves
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice ( optional )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
162
Sugar
0g
Fat
6g
Refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and beyond. They're made by mashing cooked beans and seasoning them with various spices and aromatics. Despite their name, refried beans are not fried twice; instead, the name comes from the Spanish word 'refrito,' which means 'well-fried.' There are many ways to make refried beans, but this recipe by Cooks Illustrated yields a flavorful and creamy result. Using salt pork, jalapeno, poblano, garlic, and cumin adds layers of complexity to the dish. The lime juice at the end brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the beans. Whether you're serving them as a side dish, dip, or burrito filling, these refried beans are sure to please.

Instructions

1.In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a simmer over low heat. Keep the broth warm.
2.In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the diced salt pork and cook until lightly browned.
3.Add the onion and sprinkle with table salt. Cook until the onion is softened and browned, about 5 minutes.
4.Add the jalapeno and poblano chiles, garlic, ground cumin, and cilantro. Cook until fragrant, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute.
5.Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the pan. Season with salt and cook, stirring often, until the beans are heated through and some of them begin to break down, about 5 minutes.
6.Mash the beans with a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon until they're as smooth or as chunky as you prefer. If too thick, add the warm broth a little at a time until the beans reach the desired consistency.
7.Stir in the fresh lime juice.
8.Serve warm with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, cilantro, tomatoes, and tortilla chips.

PROS

Refried beans are a versatile and delicious Mexican side dish that complements many meals.
They’re nutritious, affordable, and satisfying.
This recipe is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, thanks to the salt pork, chiles, garlic, and cilantro.
It’s also easy to customize by adjusting the amount of heat or adding other seasonings.

CONS

Refried beans are often high in sodium and fat, depending on the cooking method and ingredients used.
This recipe calls for salt pork, which adds flavor but also adds salt and fat.
To make a healthier version of this dish, you can substitute the salt pork with vegetable oil or omit it entirely.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Pinto beans are a good source of fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. They’re also rich in iron, folate, and other essential nutrients. Eating beans regularly may lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Chiles contain capsaicin, a compound that may help reduce inflammation, boost metabolism, and relieve pain.

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