Cheese And Beans: A Cultural Culinary Adventure

Refried beans are a popular Mexican side dish, often served with tortilla chips, tacos, or burritos. They are made by mashing cooked beans (usually pinto or black beans) and frying them with lard. The beans can be made more flavoursome by adding ingredients such as onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, and chilli powder.

When it comes to cheese, there are several options that are commonly paired with refried beans. Cotija cheese is a popular choice, often served crumbled on top of the beans. Other options include Monterey Jack, cheddar, queso fresco, and mozzarella. For a vegetarian option, dairy-free cheese can be used.

What type of cheese goes with refried beans?

Refried beans are a popular side dish in Mexican cuisine, often served with cheese. While there is no single type of cheese that is definitively paired with refried beans, several varieties are commonly used, either melted on top or crumbled over the beans as a garnish.

Monterey Jack Cheese

Monterey Jack is a mild, creamy, and melty cheese that is sometimes added to refried beans. It complements the flavour of the beans while adding a satisfying gooey texture. It is a good option for those who prefer a milder cheese.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is another popular choice for refried beans. It has a sharper flavour and can add a nice tanginess to the dish. It also melts well, making it ideal for baked refried beans or bean dips.

Cotija Cheese

Cotija cheese is a traditional Mexican cheese made from cow's milk. It is a salty and crumbly cheese that is often used as a topping for refried beans. It adds a nice contrast in texture and flavour to the creamy beans.

Mexican Blend Cheese

A shredded Mexican blend cheese is also a good option for refried beans. This blend typically includes a combination of cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Queso Queso, providing a mix of flavours and meltability.

Cream Cheese

For a richer and creamier option, cream cheese can be added to refried beans. It provides a smooth and tangy flavour that blends well with the beans.

Dairy-Free Cheese

For those who are dairy-free or vegan, there are dairy-free cheese alternatives that can be used in place of traditional cheese. These cheeses melt and taste similar to their dairy counterparts, making them a suitable option for those with dietary restrictions.

What are some recipes that use refried beans?

Refried beans are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, from appetizers to main courses. Here are some delicious ways to incorporate refried beans into your meals:

Tostadas

Refried beans make a great base for tostadas, helping all the other toppings stick together. You can make chicken tostadas, beef tostadas, or keep them vegetarian. Start with a crispy fried tortilla and layer on refried beans, your choice of protein, vegetables, cheese, and any other desired toppings. You can also bake the tortillas in the oven for a healthier option.

Nachos

Refried beans and nachos are a match made in heaven. Simply dollop some beans onto your tortilla chips before adding cheese and other toppings. For loaded nachos, layer tortilla chips with refried beans, cheese, sliced olives, jalapeños, and guacamole.

Burritos and Tacos

Spread a layer of refried beans on tortillas before adding your choice of protein, veggies, cheese, and toppings to make delicious burritos or tacos. For an extra creamy touch, warm up the refried beans with shredded cheese before using them as a filling.

Enchiladas

Use refried beans as a filling for enchiladas, along with shredded chicken, beef, or cheese. Top it off with enchilada sauce and bake until bubbly and delicious.

Quesadillas

For a quick and easy meal, spread refried beans on one tortilla, top with cheese, and then place another tortilla on top. Cook until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.

Bean Dip

Warm up refried beans and serve them as a dip with tortilla chips. Take it up a notch by adding toppings like melted cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa. For a cold option, make a 7-layer bean dip by mixing refried beans with salsa and layering with guacamole, sour cream, cheese, shredded lettuce, and chopped tomatoes.

Navajo Tacos

Similar to tostadas, Navajo tacos are made by layering refried beans with chili and toppings on Indian Fry Bread.

Mexican Pizza

Add a unique twist to your pizza by using refried beans as the base instead of traditional tomato sauce. Top it with cooked ground pork or chorizo, taco sauce, tomato sauce, spices, and cheese.

Mexican Lasagna

Create a Mexican-style lasagna by layering corn tortillas with refried beans, cheese, and a meat or veggie filling.

Chili Thickener

Add refried beans to your chili to thicken it and give it a creamy texture, especially in Mexican-style chilis.

Breakfast Options

Add refried beans to your breakfast eggs by topping them with salsa, cheese, and wrapping them in a tortilla. You can also spread refried beans on your burger buns instead of condiments or use them as a dressing for chicken taco salad.

What are some serving suggestions for refried beans?

Refried beans are a staple of Mexican and Tex Mex cuisine and can be served in a variety of ways. They are a great side dish, especially with Mexican food, and can be used as a dip with tortilla chips. They can also be used as a filling for burritos and tacos, or as an ingredient in dishes such as enchiladas, quesadillas, and nachos.

If you're looking for a simple way to serve refried beans, you can start with canned refried beans and enhance them with a few additional ingredients. Here are some suggestions:

• Baked Refried Beans: Combine canned refried beans with sour cream, hot sauce, and shredded cheese (optional). Place the mixture in an oven-safe dish and bake until hot and bubbly. You can garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with tortilla chips.
• Bean Dip: Warm up refried beans and serve as a dip with tortilla chips. You can add toppings such as melted cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa.
• Tostadas: Spread refried beans on crisp tortillas and add toppings such as lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and salsa.
• Navajo Tacos: Layer refried beans with chili and toppings on Indian Fry Bread.
• Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with refried beans, cheese, and toppings such as sliced olives, jalapeños, and guacamole.
• Mexican Pizza: Use refried beans as a base for your favourite taco pizza or Mexican-style pizza.
• Mexican Lasagna: Layer corn tortillas with refried beans, cheese, and a meat or veggie filling.

If you want to make refried beans from scratch, you can cook dried beans or use canned beans and add them to a skillet with onion, garlic, and spices. You can then mash them until they reach your desired consistency. Making them from scratch allows you to season the beans as they cook, resulting in a more flavourful dish.

What ingredients are needed to make refried beans?

The Basics

Refried beans are usually made with cooked pinto or black beans, which are then mashed and fried. The beans can be cooked from dried or, to save time, you can use canned beans.

The Fat

Lard is the traditional fat used for refried beans, but you can also use bacon fat, vegetable oil, olive oil, or butter.

Flavourings

For flavour, add onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and/or chilli powder. You can also add lime juice, cilantro, or jalapenos.

Cheese

While cheese is optional, it's a popular addition to refried beans. You can use shredded Mexican blend cheese, Monterey Jack, cheddar, a cheddar-jack blend, pepper jack, cotija, or queso fresco.

How do you make refried beans?

How to Make Refried Beans

Ingredients

Refried beans are usually made with pinto beans, but black beans can also be used. You will also need:

• Lard or oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Salt
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Cheese (optional)

Method

• Rinse and soak the beans overnight.
• Drain the beans and add them to a pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer for one hour.
• Drain the beans again, then heat some lard or oil in a skillet. Add the garlic and stir.
• Add the beans, cumin, oregano and a quarter cup of water to the skillet.
• Gently smash the beans with a potato masher or fork as they cook, adding more water if necessary. Continue until the beans reach your desired texture and consistency.
• Season with salt to taste.
• Top with shredded cheese, if desired.

Tips

• For a vegetarian option, use vegetable oil or butter instead of lard or bacon fat.
• For extra flavour, sauté some finely chopped onions in oil before adding the beans.
• For a more textured finish, leave some beans whole while mashing the rest.
• For a looser consistency, add more water or bean broth.
• For a thicker consistency, cook the beans for longer.
• For a more authentic flavour, sprinkle some cheese like queso fresco or cotija on top.

Frequently asked questions