Frijoles Refritos

Creamy, well-seasoned beans mashed and fried until thick and silky, the perfect side or tortilla filling.

TIME BREAKDOWN
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20 min
Total: 30 minutes
Vegetarian
✅
Nuts
❌
Serves
4 people
Difficulty
Very Easy

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 x 400g tins pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 200ml hot water or bean cooking liquid
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 1 chipotle in adobo, chopped (optional)
  • Queso fresco or mild feta, crumbled, to serve
  • Tortilla chips, to serve

Method

  1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and soften the onion for 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

  2. Add the beans, cumin and chipotle if using, then pour in half the water.

  3. Mash the beans with a potato masher, adding more water gradually, until you have a rough, creamy purée.

  4. Cook over a medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until thick and glossy.

  5. Season with the salt.

  6. Serve warm, topped with crumbled cheese, with tortilla chips for dipping.