Frijoles Refritos (Refried Beans)

The secret to these frijoles refritos, or refried beans, is that they are slow cooked to perfection over six hours, then quickly fried in oil.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 6 hr 3 mins
• Total Time: 6 hr 18 mins
• Calories: 215 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• canola oil
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 5 quarts water, or as needed
• 1 pound pinto beans, washed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat canola oil in a skillet over high heat. Spoon the beans into the skillet without draining excess water; mash beans using a potato masher until they begin to lose their shape, about 3 minutes.

Step 2

Combine water, pinto beans, and garlic in a large pot and cover. Cook over low heat for 5 1/2 hours. Stir in salt and continue cooking until beans are very soft, about 30 minutes more, adding more water if needed during the cook time to ensure the beans remain covered.