Authentic Traditional Mexican Beans Frijoles Autenticos Mexicanos Food

FRIJOLES DE LA OLLA (MEXICAN PINTO BEANS RECIPE)

Steps:

• Stovetop Method: Place the dried beans in a large bowl and fill with water, covering the top of the beans by 2 inches. Let the beans soak overnight.
• When ready to cook, place the beans in a large 6-8 quart pot with a heavy lid. Add the onion wedges, garlic, and hambone if using.
• Pour in enough water to cover the beans by 3-4 inches. Set the heat on medium.
• Cover and bring to a simmer. Then reduce the heat and simmer on medium-low to low for 2-4 hours, until the beans are very soft. *Even after soaking overnight, beans take a varied amount of time, base on how old they are. "New" dried beans will cook faster than beans that have been sitting in the pantry for months/years.
• Once the beans are soft, remove the onion, garlic, and hambone. Stir in the pico de gallo. Taste, then salt as needed.
• Instant Pot Method: When using an electric pressure cooker, you do not have to soak the beans overnight.
• Place the beans in a 6+ quart Instant Pot. Add the onion wedges, garlic, and hambone if using.
• Add 5 cups of water. Lock the lid into place and set on Pressure Cook High for 35 minutes.
• Perform a natural release. Once the steam button drops, it is safe to open the lid. If the beans are still firm, you can Pressure Cook again for 5-10 minutes. Then perform a Quick Release.
• Once the beans are soft, remove the onion, garlic, and hambone. Stir in the pico de gallo. Taste, then salt as needed.
• Crock Pot Method: Place the dried beans in a large 6-8 quart slow cooker. Add the onion wedges, garlic, and hambone if using. Pour in 8 cups water. (You do not have to soak the beans for this method.)
• Set the crock pot on HIGH for 8-10 hours or on LOW for 15-17 hours. Once the beans are soft, remove the onion, garlic, and hambone. Stir in the pico de gallo. Taste, then salt as needed.

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN REFRIED BEANS RECIPE (FRIJOLES REFRITOS)

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large frying pan, once it's hot add the onion and cook until browned and crispy (this gives it a great taste, or you can just sauté until tender.) Next add the dried or fresh chiles and cook just until they brown or begin to blister -- this happens quickly so be ready to proceed.
• Next add the boiled beans -- be careful because it will splash, allow to fry for about 3 minutes. Next add about ¼ cup of the broth and then begin mashing the beans until you achieve the desired texture. The broth will help with the mashing and you'll need to add a little bit of the broth to help you achieve the texture you desire.
• Continue to "fry" for about 5-8 minutes or until they have the consistency you want. Remember to adjust the consistency to your needs by cooking longer to thicken or adding more broth/water to thin out. Taste and add salt as desired.

FRIJOLES REFRITOS (CLASSIC MEXICAN REFRIED BEANS)

Steps:

• Mash the beans in a bowl.
• In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
• Add the onion and the garlic; cook and stir until onion is deep golden, about 10 minutes.
• Stir in the mashed beans and cook for about one minute.
• Add salt to taste.
• Makes about one pint.

FRIJOLES REFRITOS (REFRIED BEANS)

Steps:

• Combine water, pinto beans, and garlic into a large pot and cover; Cook over low heat for 5 1/2 hours; stir salt into beans and continue cooking until beans are very soft, about 30 minutes more.
• 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.

FRIJOLES (MEXICAN STYLE PINTO BEANS)

Steps:

• Soak beans according to package directions; drain.
• Heat oil in stock pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add salt pork; cook 2 minutes, until browned.
• Reduce heat to medium; add onions and chile and cook 4 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
• Add drained beans, water and cumin seed.
• Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 30 minutes.
• Add salt and continue to cook 25 to 35 minutes more, until tender.
• (Can be made ahead. Cool. Transfer to large microwaveproof container. Cover and refrigerate overnight. To reheat: Microwave on high 10 minutes, stirring once after 5 minutes, until heated through.) Makes 7 cups.
• Refries Beans (frijoles refritos):.
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or lard in large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and cook 2 to 3 minutes, until browned.
• Add 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic and cook 30 seconds.
• Add 2 cups cooked beans and 1/3 to 1/2 cup bean liquid to skilet.
• (Or, microwave 2 cups refrigerated beans and 1/3 to 1/2 cup bean liquid on High, 2 to 3 minutes, until room temperature, and add to skillet).
• Mash beans and liquid coarsely with back of wooden spoon or potato masher.
• Cook 1 to 2 minutes more, untilheated through, addingmore bean liquid or water if needed.
• Transfer beans to a food processor.
• Process just until smooth.
• Makes 2 cups (4 servings).