There are many things that we think of as staples of Mexican food. Mexican cuisine has a long history of feeding people well with a few simple ingredients. However, as anyone who enjoys Mexican food knows, blending those ingredients together creates something far from ordinary. One of those simple staple foods that Mexican cuisine has elevated beyond its ingredients is refried beans.

Refried beans have earned their place as a Mexican food staple. Let’s take a look at their history and learn how to make them at home.

Tasty History

Refried beans are a staple of Mexican cuisine with a long and rich history. We can trace their origins back to the ancient Aztecs, who soaked beans overnight and then boiled them until they were soft. The beans were then mashed and fried, and they were often served as a side dish or as a filling for tacos and burritos.

Influences and Adaptations

Refried beans became even more popular in Mexico with the arrival of the Spanish. Spanish settlers introduced new varieties of beans and began to fry them in lard, which gave them their distinctive flavor and smooth texture.

Persistent Popularity

Today, diners worldwide enjoy refried beans. They are versatile, and you can serve them as a side dish, as a filling for tacos and burritos, or as a dip for chips. They’re also very easy to make. Try out this recipe at home!

Recipe for Refried Beans

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried pinto beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup cooking oil (vegetable, olive, avocado, etc.)
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the beans, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are soft.
2. Drain the beans and mash them with a fork or potato masher.
3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beans and water and cook, stirring frequently, until the beans are heated through and slightly thickened.
4. Serve immediately with your favorite Mexican food!

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