Frijoles Refritos

There’s something undeniably comforting about a eating frijoles refritos. These creamy, savory beans are the heart of many Mexican meals, adding a rich, earthy flavor that’s both satisfying and versatile. Whether they’re spread inside a warm tortilla, served alongside a sizzling enchilada, or simply topped with cheese and eaten with a spoon, frijoles refritos are a satisfying essential in any home-cooked meal.

In my view, frijoles fritos are the unsung hero of latin cuisine. Why? Maybe it’s the combination of beans, fat, and salt that creates a creamy, smooth texture with a rich, umami-packed taste. Or maybe it’s their ability to complement nearly any dish, from tacos to carne asada, with an added layer of depth and comfort. In this post, we’ll dive into what frijoles refritos are, how to make them, and some tasty ways to incorporate them into your meals.

What Does “Frijoles Refritos” Mean in English

In English, the phrase “frijoles refritos” directly translates to “refried beans.” However, don’t let the word “refried” fool you—it doesn’t mean the beans are fried twice! The term “refried” comes from the Spanish word “refrito,” which means “cooked again” or “well-fried.”

In the process of making frijoles refritos, beans are first cooked, in water, until soft. Then, they are mashed and fried, usually in a small amount of oil, lard, or bacon fat, which gives them a rich, creamy texture and an earthy, savory flavor. So while the beans may be cooked more than once, it’s the cooking method that really enhances their taste and consistency.

How to Make Frijoles Refritos

Making frijoles refritos is surprisingly easy! You’ll need just a few basic ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious side dish in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 recipe of Peruvian Beans: I find that Peruvian beans make the most delicious, creamy frijoles fritos but you can use any type of pre-cooked beans you like including pinto beans or black beans.
• Onion: Yellow onion works best in this recipe but you can also use white or sweet onion instead. The onion adds sweetness and complexity to the flavor of this dish.
• Oil or lard: Lard is traditionally used when making frijoles refritos, but I usually use olive oil when making them. Use whichever you have on hand- both make delicious beans!
• Salt: Depending on how much salt was added to the beans when they were boiled, you may not need to add any salt when frying them. Taste the refried beans while cooking and adjust the season to your liking.

Instructions:

1. Cook the Beans:
   • Rinse the beans thoroughly and remove any debris.
   • Place beans in a large pot and cover with water.
   • Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until tender.
   • Once the beans are cooked, don’t drain them! Save the cooking liquid for later.
2. Fry the Onion:
   • In a large skillet, heat the oil or lard over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Mash the Beans:
   • Add the cooked beans to the skillet, including the cooking liquid. If the beans are cold, allow them to reheat, then use a potato masher or the back of a fork to mash the beans to your desired consistency. You can leave them a bit chunky or mash them smooth, depending on your preference.
4. Season and Serve:
   • Taste test the beans and add salt as needed.
   • Serve your frijoles refritos with your favorite Mexican dishes, or simply enjoy them with warm tortillas and topped with cheese.

Recipes That Use Frijoles Fritos

Frijoles fritos is a versatile dish that compliments most Mexican dishes and helps make a meal complete. Here are a few recipes that use this delicious creation:

1. Picaditas

Picaditas is a traditional dish that uses masa, refried beans, salsa and cheese to make a perfect meal or snack. Try my recipe here and spread a layer of frijoles refritos on top of the warm masa before topping with salsa and cheese. Picaditas are a quick and satisfying meal. The kids will love them too!

2. Enfrijoladas

Enfrijoladas are a delicious Mexican dish made by filling soft corn tortillas with a variety of savory fillings and smothering them in a rich, velvety layer of frijoles refritos. The beans give the dish a creamy texture and a deep, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

3. Burritos

DIY burrito night? Add some frijoles refritos to the mix! These beans will blend beautifully with any meat, veggies or cheese you use for fillings. Including beans in your burritos makes them more filling and healthier too.

4. Huevos Rancheros

A traditional breakfast dish, huevos rancheros consists of fried eggs served on a crispy corn tortilla, topped with a spicy tomato sauce. But don’t forget the frijoles refritos on the side (or even spread on the tortilla)! They add a wonderful creaminess that pairs perfectly with the egg and salsa.

Tips for Making the Perfect Frijoles Refritos

• Use Fresh Beans: If you’re using dried beans, make sure they’re fresh for the best flavor and texture. Old beans can take longer to cook and may not soften as easily.
• Don’t Skip the Fat: Lard or oil adds richness to the beans, enhancing their flavor. While you don’t need a lot of it, using lard, bacon fat or olive oil will give them an authentic taste.
• Try Blending: If you goal is super creamy and smooth beans, try blending the beans and their cooking liquid in a blender before adding them to the onions!

How long will refried beans last in the fridge?

Beans will last in the fridge about 5 days. When cooked beans go off, they have a rancid smell and the color becomes light and cloudy. Keep your beans longer by letting them cool down fully, then placing them in the refrigerator immediately.

If you tried this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went! Rate this recipe or leave me a comment- I’d love to hear from you!

Check Out More of My Recipes

• Authentic Mexican Salsa de Molcajete Recipe
• Easy and Healthy Pollo Enchipotlado
• Besos de Nuez (Mexican Pecan Cookies)

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