Authentic Spicy Refried Black Beans
Experience the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with this Authentic Spicy Refried Black Beans recipe. Passed down from a charming little old lady who owned a cantina in Ensenada, Mexico, this dish celebrates the rich and earthy taste of black beans, enhanced with the zesty kick of jalapeños. Ideal for tacos, burritos, or as a hearty side dish, these refried beans are sure to impress your family and friends. If black beans aren’t available, red kidney beans can be used, but be prepared for a slight change in flavor. Enjoy the warmth of homemade comfort food with this easy-to-follow recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
2 teaspoons (For sautéing)
Jalapenos
2 (Chopped finely)
Onions
2 medium (Chopped medium)
Garlic cloves
4 (Minced (optional, not traditional))
Black beans
4 (14 ounce) cans (Rinsed and drained (or red kidney beans if preferred))
Beer
1 (12 ounce) can (For added flavor and moisture)
Instructions
1
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the chopped jalapeños and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, or until the jalapeños start to brown slightly.
3
Add the rinsed and drained cans of beans, along with the two cans of beans including their juice, stirring everything together until well combined.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for approximately 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally and adding the beer as needed to maintain moisture. The beans should be creamy, but not dry.
5
Once cooked, taste the beans and add salt as needed, but be sure to taste first before seasoning.
6
If there's any remaining beer, pour yourself a glass and enjoy while you wait for the beans to finish cooking.
7
For a smoother consistency, you can mash the beans with a fork or potato masher before serving, or leave them as is for a chunkier texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of this Authentic Spicy Refried Black Beans recipe?
The recipe was passed down from a charming lady who owned a cantina in Ensenada, Mexico.
What are the primary ingredients for this dish?
The main ingredients include black beans, jalapeños, onions, garlic, oil, and beer.
Can I substitute the black beans with another variety?
Yes, red kidney beans can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will change slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as vegan.
Is this refried bean recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as gluten-free.
How many cans of beans are needed for this recipe?
You will need four 14-ounce cans of beans in total.
Should I drain all the bean cans?
No, you should rinse and drain two cans, but include the juice from the other two cans.
What is the purpose of adding beer to the beans?
Beer is added to provide extra flavor and to maintain moisture while the beans simmer.
How much beer is required?
The recipe calls for one 12-ounce can of beer.
Is garlic a traditional ingredient in this specific recipe?
The recipe notes that the minced garlic is optional and not part of the traditional version.
How many jalapeños should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 finely chopped jalapeños.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
What is the cooking time for the jalapeños?
Sauté the jalapeños for 2-3 minutes or until they start to brown slightly.
How long do the beans need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for approximately 1.5 hours.
What should the final consistency of the beans be?
The beans should be creamy but not dry.
When is the best time to add salt?
Add salt at the very end after the beans have cooked, making sure to taste them first.
Can I make the beans smooth instead of chunky?
Yes, you can mash the beans with a fork or potato masher for a smoother consistency.
What is the serving suggestion for these beans?
They are ideal for tacos, burritos, or served as a hearty side dish.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of oil for sautéing.
How many onions are used?
The recipe uses 2 medium onions, chopped medium.
What heat level is used for the initial sauté?
The oil, onions, and garlic should be heated over medium heat.
What should I do if the beans become too dry during simmering?
Continue adding the beer as needed to keep the beans moist while they cook.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it is described as having a zesty kick due to the inclusion of jalapeños.
Do I need to boil the mixture?
Yes, bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to low for simmering.
How many garlic cloves are suggested?
The recipe suggests 4 minced garlic cloves.
What can I do with the remaining beer?
The instructions suggest pouring yourself a glass and enjoying it while you wait for the beans to finish.
Can this be served as a main dish?
While it is tagged as a side dish, it can be used as a filling for main courses like burritos.
Is it necessary to mash the beans?
No, you can leave them as is if you prefer a chunkier texture.
What kind of cuisine does this recipe represent?
This is a traditional Mexican cuisine recipe.
Is this recipe complicated to make?
No, it is described as an easy-to-follow recipe for homemade comfort food.