Mock Refried Beans Food

MOCK REFRIED BEANS

Steps:

• Put tomatoes into the food processor and process until thoroughly pureed.
• Add cumin, onion, and garlic and process.
• Add sunflower seeds and almonds and process to desired texture. For a creamier consistency, process longer.

HOMEMADE REFRIED BEANS

Steps:

• Rinse pinto beans in a colander, removing any unwanted pebbles or pieces that may be in the bag.
• Add the beans to a large pot, cover with water and soak overnight.
• Drain soaked beans and return them to the pot. Add fresh water to cover the beans up to two inches above them. Add onion to the pot and a couple dashes of salt.
• Bring beans to a boil, cover and simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally. Check the beans and if they're not completely cooked after one hour, let them simmer a few minutes longer until they're done.
• Drain the beans, removing the onion and reserving the bean broth water.
• In a large skillet (preferably an iron skillet), heat lard or oil over medium heat.
• Add the garlic and stir. Add the beans, cumin, oregano and 1/4 cup of the bean broth. (You could also chop the reserved onion and add it to the pan).
• Cook, gently smashing the beans as they cook with a potato masher or fork.
• Continue stirring and mashing, adding additional bean broth as needed until you get the texture you like and the beans are the consistency of soft mashed potatoes. Taste and season with additional salt, cumin and oregano, as needed. Top with shredded cheese, if desired.

REFRIED BEANS

Steps:

• Reserve about a third of the beans. Mash the rest of the beans in a medium bowl with a large fork. Set aside.
• Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook, stirring, until lightly browned. Add the spices and cook until fragrant about 1 minute.
• Add the mashed beans and half the broth; cook, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Add the reserved beans and the enough of the remaining broth to loosen up the beans. Simmer until the beans are thick but not pasty, about 2 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh coriander, if desired, and serve.

QUICK AND EASY REFRIED BEANS

Steps:

• Heat canola oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
• Cook garlic cloves in hot oil, turning once, until brown on both sides, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Smash garlic cloves in skillet with a fork.
• Stir pinto beans, cumin, chili powder, and salt into mashed garlic and cook until beans are thoroughly heated, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
• Smash bean mixture with a potato masher to desired texture. Squeeze lime juice over smashed beans and stir until combined.