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Chef John's Classic Refried Beans

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PREP TIME
10 min
COOKING TIME
120 min
TOTAL TIME
730 min
SERVINGS
8 servings
Mexican
Chef John's Classic Refried Beans
Ingredients
  • 1 pound dry pinto beans, soaked overnight
  • 4 whole garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried epazote
  • 9 cups cold water
  • 1/2 cup lard
  • 1 1/2 cups diced onions
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons minced serrano chili pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper
Instructions
1
Remove excess moisture from the beans by draining them and then transfer them to a large stock pot. Add minced garlic, dried epazote leaves, and cold water to the pot. Place it over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
2
Reduce the intensity of the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beans have become tender.
3
Carefully pour off the excess liquid from the pot and reserve it for later use.
4
Heat lard in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt; cook until the onions start to develop a rich brown color, taking around 10 to 12 minutes.
5
Introduce diced serrano pepper and chipotle powder into the skillet, cooking for an additional minute.
6
Transfer the cooked beans to the skillet and use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to crush about half of them.
7
Gradually add some of the reserved bean cooking liquid to the skillet, stirring and mashing the beans as you go. Continue this process until the desired consistency is achieved, at which point mash the remaining beans to your liking.
8
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if necessary.