Homemade Refried Beans

All my life, I've eaten the slimy mush from a can know as "refried beans".  I've never really liked it, but that's just what you eat with tacos.  Then I discovered that you can make your own refried beans, and they actually taste good.  These are our favorite side to homemade fajitas. 

Caution:  once you eat these you will NEVER want to go back to the canned version!

You've been warned.

What you need  For 6-8 servings (depending on how much you love beans):

• 8 oz dried pinto beans, rinsed and soaked overnight (or quick soaked).  Follow the directions on the package.
• 5 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 Tbs oil
• 1 recipe spice mix (see below)

For the Spice Mix: (Yes, this is almost the same as the chicken marinade in my fajitas.  Why mess with something that tastes so good?)

• 2 Tbs oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbs vinegar
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)  Omit these if you don't like spicy beans.

Let's get cooking:

1.  Drain the beans from the soaking water.  Bring the soaked beans and 5 cups water to a boil--make sure to crack the lid, or it will overflow bean water everywhere!  Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer about 2 hours, until the beans are very soft.

2.  Meanwhile, chop up your onion.  Heat 2 Tbs oil in a skillet.  Add the onions over medium-low heat and let them caramelize for 30 min or more, until turning golden brown. 

3.  When the beans are fully cooked, drain the beans--but save the bean water!  Combine the beans and onions.  I like to mash mine with a potato masher, but you could use a blender/food processor if you like them very smooth. Use the bean water they were cooking in to reach the desired consistency.  I make mine a little runny because they tend to thicken as they cool.

4.  Heat up the refried beans to a simmer until the rest of  your meal is ready.  Now you can have healthy, tasty beans as the perfect compliment to your Mexican meals! 
-Lily