Refried Beans

I adapted this recipe from Emeril Lagasse.

• 1 cup dried pinto beans, soaked overnight in a large bowl with water to cover by 2-inches, and drained
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-2 T. vegetable oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onions
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced, seeded jalapeno
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pinch cayenne
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup grated queso blanco

Directions

In a medium, heavy pot, combine the beans, bay leaf, and enough water to cover by 1 to 2 inches. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours, adding more water as necessary to keep covered. When the beans are soft, mash in the pot with a potato masher or the back of heavy wooden spoon. Remove from the heat.

In a large, heavy skillet, heat the bacon fat over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeno, chili powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 45 seconds to 1 minute. Add the beans and any cooking liquid from the pot, and the oregano, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring with a heavy wooden spoon, until the mixture forms a thick paste, 5 to 10 minutes, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time to keep from getting dry.

Comments: So, the jalapeno is ideal, I used pickled jalapeños, as fresh hot peppers are hard to find. The first time I made this, I threw in some gouda, however it didn’t make a huge difference, so I omitted it the second time, and didn’t miss it. I’m never happy with mashed refried beans, and since I got a new mini-food processor for Christmas, I whirled the cooked onion mixture with the beans for a bit, and found it great.