Refried beans
Cooked beans (usually pinto) mashed and fried, sold canned ready to heat and eat. Despite the name they're not fried twice. 'refried' is a mistranslation of the Spanish 'refritos,' meaning well-fried.
Used for
- burritos
- dips
- tostadas
- nachos
In the kitchen
- Heat gently, stirring often.
- Thin with broth or water if too thick.
- Mash your own from canned pinto beans as a substitute.
Picking it at the store
- Check for lard on the ingredient label if avoiding it. Vegetarian versions use vegetable oil instead.
- Canned versions vary widely in saltiness; taste before adding more salt to whatever you're making.
Related terms
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