Wednesday’s Helping: Refried Beans

Getting all mushy over this dish
Despite the dubious paste-like appearance, a serving of refried beans comes loaded with fiber and proteins. Frijoles refritos in Spanish translates into well-fried beans. This is a staple of Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisines. Pinto beans are the most popular beans used for traditional refried beans. Less common alternatives include red kidney and black beans. The beans are soaked and then boiled or stewed until tender. A cook then mashes or purees the cooked beans. The mushy bean paste is then “fried” and seasoned with sautéed garlic and onions in cooking oil. Refried beans can be used as a side, a dip, or a layer in a casserole. Or make a burrito with them!