Refried Beans

For those who requested my refried beans recipe . . I don’t follow a recipe but here’s what I do.

I use pinto beans because that’s what the Mexican restaurant here uses and those are the beans Addie loves. You can use black beans or probably most any beans you want to use.

I probably use half of a one pound bag of beans. Wash and clean the beans. I don’t soak them overnight but you can if you prefer.

I do all this in my Instant Pot.

Cut 4 or 5 slices of bacon into 4 or 5 pieces (or use salt pork . . anything to get a bit of flavored oil in there). Brown the bacon. Add a chopped onion and a little garlic if desired. Add the beans. Add plenty of water because I cook the heck out of these. I don’t add salt until after they’re cooked.

Cook on high for 30 minutes or use the “bean” setting. Let it sit for about 15 minutes after they’re done cooking, release the pressure, taste the beans for doneness. I find that they usually need at least 20 minutes more to cook so I just hit “beans” again and that gives them 30 more minutes.

Once they’re cooked, pour a little olive oil in a skillet. Scoop out some of the beans with a slotted spoon. Mash with a fork. Add to the olive oil and stir til heated. Season with salt, and cumin if desired. Stir in a little of the cooking liquid from the beans until you get the consistency you like. You can stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella or whatever cheese you like.

I also like to add a little cilantro to my beans but I’m the only one who likes cilantro so it gets added to my plate.