Bushra Griffith
Refried beans are a staple at Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants, and they're often served with cheese. While the type of cheese used can vary, some common options include cotija, queso fresco, oaxaca, chedder, or a Mexican blend. Some recipes also call for adding sour cream, hot sauce, or other toppings to the beans before baking or melting the cheese on top. The beans themselves are typically cooked with lard, bacon drippings, or pork fat, giving them a distinct flavour and texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Queso fresco, Oaxaca, Cheddar, Cotija, Monterey Jack, Mexican Blend, or any favorite cheese |
| Cheese Texture | Shredded or Crumbed |
| Cheese Amount | A lot |
| Preparation | Baked until melted |
| Served With | Tacos, Burritos, Tortilla Chips, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Rice, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Mexican restaurants use canned refried beans
While some Mexican restaurants may use dried beans, it is likely that many use canned refried beans. Canned refried beans are convenient and offer a good base flavor to build upon. They save time compared to starting from dried beans, which require soaking, cooking, and mashing.
To make canned refried beans taste more like those served in restaurants, you can add milk, sour cream, or plain yogurt to give them a smooth and creamy texture. You can also add cheese, hot sauce, or meat drippings and fatty scraps to enhance the flavor.
To prepare the beans, you can heat them in a saucepan on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl until they are heated through. You can also bake them in the oven with cheese on top, creating a tasty dip.
When choosing canned refried beans, opt for a high-quality brand with simple ingredients like beans, salt, and minimal additives for the best flavor.
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Refried beans are cooked twice
Refried beans are a staple at Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants and are often served as a side dish or used as a filling in burritos, tostadas, or tacos. Interestingly, the name "refried beans" comes from a mistranslation of the Spanish name for the dish, "frijoles refritos," where the "re-" prefix means "very" or "well" rather than "again."
Preparing refried beans involves cooking the beans twice. During the first cooking session, the beans are slow-cooked for several hours to blend the flavors. Common types of beans used include pinto beans, which can be canned or dried. Canned beans are quicker and more convenient, while dried beans require soaking and cooking but result in more flavorful beans.
After the first cooking session, the liquid is drained, and the beans are fried in a pan with other ingredients such as onions, garlic, and fat. This is where the "refrying" comes into play. The beans are then mashed to create a creamy texture. The type of fat used contributes significantly to the flavor of the refried beans. Traditional Mexican cooking uses pork lard, which is essential to achieving an authentic flavor. However, alternatives such as shortening or butter can also be used. Bacon grease is another popular option, although it imparts a strong bacon flavor that may be less traditional.
Now, let's talk about cheese! While refried beans are delicious on their own, adding cheese takes them to the next level. Various types of cheese can be used, depending on personal preference. Common choices include cotija cheese, queso fresco, oaxaca, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend. The cheese can be shredded or melted on top of the beans, adding a creamy texture and savory flavor.
Some people also like to add additional ingredients to their refried beans, such as sour cream, hot sauce, cilantro, lime juice, or guacamole. These enhancements further elevate the dish, making it a versatile and flavorful component of any Mexican meal.
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Pork lard is essential in Mexican cooking
While there are many types of cheese that can be used in Mexican cooking, such as Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Cotija, or a Mexican blend, the use of pork lard is also essential in Mexican cooking.
Pork lard, or simply lard, is pig fat that has a soft texture and a consistency similar to butter. It is mostly found in the pig's belly, back, and around the organs. The highest quality lard, known as leaf lard, comes from around the kidneys and the loin. This type of lard is favoured in baking due to its mild flavour.
Lard is a key ingredient in Mexican cooking, adding flavour and richness to dishes. It is commonly used in refried beans, where it is one of the main ingredients that give the dish its distinctive taste. In addition to beans, lard is often used to sauté onions and other ingredients. It is also an essential component of tortillas, tamales, and masa (cornflour dough).
The use of lard in Mexican cuisine is not a new development, but rather a traditional practice that has been utilised for years. It is favoured not only for its flavour but also for its texture and versatility.
When preparing refried beans, lard can be used in place of other fats such as oil. The beans are cooked slowly for hours, and then fried in a pan with onion, garlic, and lard before being mashed. This double cooking process results in a creamy and flavourful dish.
In summary, pork lard is an essential ingredient in Mexican cooking, adding depth of flavour and richness to a variety of dishes, from refried beans to tortillas and tamales. Its versatility and unique qualities make it a favoured choice in Mexican cuisine.
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Popular cheeses used: cotija, Monterey Jack, cheddar, queso fresco
Refried beans are a staple at Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants, and they're often served with cheese. While there are many types of cheese that can be used, some popular options include cotija, Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso fresco.
Cotija cheese is a popular choice for topping refried beans. It is a Mexican cheese that is known for its salty, tangy flavour and crumbly texture. It can be crumbled over the beans or used to make a bean dip.
Monterey Jack cheese is another option that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a mild, creamy flavour and melts easily, making it perfect for topping refried beans or using in recipes such as enchiladas or quesadillas.
Cheddar cheese is also a popular choice for Mexican restaurants. It has a sharp, distinct flavour and melts well, making it a versatile option for a variety of dishes.
Queso fresco is a fresh, mild, and slightly tangy Mexican cheese that is often used in Mexican cuisine. It crumbles easily and can be sprinkled over refried beans or used in other dishes such as tacos or burritos.
In addition to these popular choices, other cheeses such as Oaxaca, sour cream, or a Mexican blend can also be used to add flavour and creaminess to refried beans. These cheeses can be shredded, crumbled, or melted on top of the beans, or blended together with the beans to create a creamy, cheesy dish.
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Beans can be served as a dip or a side
Refried beans are a staple at Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants and are a popular side dish. They are also served as a dip, with tortilla chips, or as a filling in burritos, tostadas, or tacos.
There are many ways to make refried beans, and they can be made with a variety of cheeses. Some recipes call for cotija cheese, while others suggest using shredded Mexican cheese blends, cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese. Some people also add sour cream, hot sauce, or guacamole to their refried beans.
To make refried beans, you can start with canned refried beans or make them from scratch using dried beans. If using canned beans, simply heat them in a skillet with some bacon fat or oil. If starting from scratch, you'll need to soak and cook the beans before frying them in a pan with onion, garlic, and fat.
Once the beans are cooked, they can be served as a side dish or used as a dip. If using cheese, it is typically added on top of the beans before serving. The beans can be served as-is or paired with other dishes such as Mexican rice, steak, or chicken.
Whether served as a dip or a side, refried beans are a delicious and versatile dish that can be easily customized to your taste. They are a great option for a quick and easy meal or as a tasty addition to your favorite Mexican dishes.
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