There are plenty of important days in January, but at California Burritos, our favorite has to be National Bean Day on January 6th. Beans are essential to many Mexican dishes, and Mexican food just wouldn’t be the same without them. Beans turn up in soups, tacos, burritos, salads, guacamole, and so much more. Honestly, if beans don’t turn up somewhere in your Mexican food, you’re missing something.
Of all the ways we use beans in Mexican food, refried beans may be the most popular. They are typically made with pinto beans, which have proved to be the perfect choice. Here’s a look at why pinto is the best option for refried beans.
Smooth and Easy to Mash
One of the hallmarks of refried beans is their smooth, nearly spreadable consistency. After the beans are soaked and boiled, they are mashed. To get the beans smooth and creamy, you don’t want a variety of beans that are too mealy or stiff. Those beans will create more of a paste than the smooth texture that diners know and love.
Perfect Flavor for Food Combos
Another important feature of refried beans is that they should have a mild flavor. Refried beans are often a base for other ingredients, so you don’t want their flavor to overpower everything else. Pinto beans strike the perfect balance. They aren’t entirely flavorless. There’s a gently nutty and slightly sweet flavor that complements the stronger and spicier flavors that are common in Mexican food.
Ideal Texture for Mixed Ingredients
It’s not just the flavor of refried beans that needs to go well with other ingredients. The texture is also crucial. The light and smooth texture contrasts with ingredients that have firmer textures, such as grilled meats. Refried beans are also often eaten as a dip, so you want a texture that will allow your chips to still have a satisfying crunch. Any food with mixed ingredients should be light and smooth to let each element shine.
Enjoy Mexican Food in NH at California Burritos
No matter how you enjoy beans in your Mexican food, the best place to enjoy them is at California Burritos! Our locations in Southern New Hampshire are proudly serving traditional dishes, so visit us next time you’re in the mood for Mexican food!