There is nothing better than homemade beans. They are wonderful whole or mashed! Not only are they delicious but they are extremely healthy. I like to make a big batch to last the week, we eat a LOT of beans!
Simple Homemade Whole or Refried Beans Recipe:
Approx. 10 – 12 servings
- 4 Cups Dried Pinto Beans
- 12 Cups Filtered Water plus about 4 – 6 more cups
- 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 White Onion
- 6 – 8 Cloves Garlic
- 2 whole dried chilies like new Mexico or ancho for mild or 2 habanero or10 arbol for hot (optional)
- 2 Leaves Epazote (optional)
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons Sea Salt
Instructions:
In a 5 1/2 quart pot, add a small hand full of beans in the pot one at a time, making sure there are no rocks. Then rinse the beans and add the water, garlic, epazote, onion and chilies.
Bring to a boil over medium heat then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for about an hour or until the beans are soft.
* Add the salt AT THE END or the beans bay stay tough.
Taste to see if they are soft. When they are soft add the salt and let cook for 5 or so minutes to infuse salt.
* It depends on how old the beans are as to how long it will take to cook, older beans will take longer.
Remove the chiles and epazote.
Scoop out the amount of beans you want, leaving the water, add olive oil to the beans then mash with a potato masher, I like to leave some of the beans whole.
When the beans thicken, up they are ready. (if you feel they are too runny, cook for a bit longer)
* If you have a problem with gas you can either soak the beans overnight or bring the beans to a boil then turn off and cover for 1 to 2 hours then drain the water and add fresh water, garlic, and peppers. Follow above directions for the rest.
