I love good refried beans and I hate bad ones. By good I mean it needs to have good flavour and not be bland. Yes, this takes some time but its totally worth it. Beware, this is not a recipe for vegetarian beans.
Ingredients
3 cups dried pinto beans
1 onion cut into large chunks
3 sprigs fresh oregano
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tablespoon bacon grease
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, divided
2 tablespoons bacon grease
Preparation
Place beans in large pot and cover with water, at least 2 inches above the beans. Bring pot to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then cover and let rest for 1 hour. Drain beans and put back into pot. Add chicken stock, onions, oregano, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Stock should cover beans by 1 inch, if it does not, add more stock. Boil for about 1 hour or until soft. Drain beans, but reserve the liquid.
In a medium pot, heat bacon grease . Then add beans and stir to heat then gradually add in cooking liquid from beans until to desired consistency. Mash beans with a potato masher, continuing to cook over low heat until liquid has evaporated. Season to taste with salt.
