Forums > Specific Focus > Mexican Kitchen

Patrick

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #1 of 8 (2796 views)

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Refried Flop

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I have tried making refried beans from scratch for the first time and I have run into a problem. I soaked the beans then cooked them for about three hours. Following that, I mashed them in bacon grease. The problem is that the beans are "crunchy"-- as if they had not been boiled long enough. There are small parts of bean that will not mash completely. Is there anything I can do to fix this problem, or do I need to completely start over? Any help is much appreciated.

Carron

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #2 of 8 (2791 views)

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Try Canned Beans!

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I can suggest this because I live in Mexico and know that short cuts are OK! Fry a can of your choice of beans (pintos, red, seasoned or unseasoned) in bacon grease, lard, or shortening. As your beans cook down and dry, mash with the bottom of a cup or glass. (This is the technique my Mexican neighbors use.) Add your choice of bottled or canned or homemade salsa, crumbled cheese, bacon, tomatoes, etc. They will be wonderful.

David McL

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #3 of 8 (2792 views)

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Refried Flop

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Patrick:

Before you go any further, type 'refried beans' into the search box at the top of this Forum's index page and you will be presented with quite a few recipes and hints that will make the next culinary adventure more fun (and better eating too!)

Suerte

David

ChaCha

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #4 of 8 (2791 views)

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Refried Flop

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Patrick, start over and I'd skip the soaking Ive never done it and my beans turn out fine. As for how long to boil them.....I just go by the looks and if all else fails bite the beans and check for tenderness. They are great with bacon grease as youve done but also add a bit of their own juices, dont worry they'll dry out in the cooking.

Patrick

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #5 of 8 (2792 views)

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Refried Flop: Gracias

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Thanks to everyone who responded to my question. It was my first time posting in the forum, and the quick responses were much appreciated. I'm going to treat my first attempt at refritos as a learning experience. Now back to the cocina. Gracias. Ciao.

Rey

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #6 of 8 (2790 views)

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Refried Flop

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Well, beans are cheap that throwing them shouldn't be a concern ($$)
I think it would be easier to start over than to try to salvage those.
You could add water and boil them more, but that would require some
trial and error.

They do taste better with grease/fat, but I do them without anything...
...just mash'em and cook them in their juices :)

Well, HTH

Rey

LLOYD AGUILAR

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #7 of 8 (2791 views)

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Refried Flop

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No Message

smn

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #8 of 8 (2791 views)

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Refried Flop

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I don't know if you'll see this so long after the fact but I have done this very thing myself. If you add about a cup of water and let it simmer the bean bits done you can then commence with the rest.

The hint to use canned beans is great, they are geat in a hurry. Another thing I do is to put individual servings of cooked beans in the freezer for a quick meal.