Refried beans recipe

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Making things from scratch rather than buying canned, prepared or processed foods can save you lots of money. Taking a little extra time to plan your menus can help you not only save money, but serve healthier meals for your family.

One of the things we like to make at home is refried beans. A 15-ounce can of refried beans will cost anywhere from 69cents to $1.29 depending on brand, the store where you buy it, and whether or not you buy fat-free or not. Make your own refried beans at home with less fat and less additives.

The typical canned refried bean product contains the following ingredients: cooked pinto beans, water, salt, tomato paste, partially hydrogenated lard with BHA and BHT added to protect flavor, onion powder, spice, chili pepper, garlic powder. While not completely unhealthy, one has to wonder why BHA and BHT need to be added to "protect flavor". The average percentage of calories from fat in canned refried beans is 5.6% of the USDA recommended daily allowance. While not a lot, why do you need that much fat in something that should be healthy and good for you?

Using the following recipe, you can make refried beans in large batches and freeze, or you can make them as you need them. No need for preservatives to "protect the flavor" in this recipe.

Refried Beans
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 to 2 Tbsp. finely chopped sweet white or yellow onion
2 cups pink or pinto beans, cooked according to package directions (reserve 1/2 cup cooking liquid)
1/2 cup bean liquid
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Frank's red hot sauce, to taste (use at least 1 to 2 tsp.)
Directions:
Add beans to large bowl and use potato masher or wooden spoon to mash cooked beans. Don't worry about them being completely mashed, as they are in the can. Leaving them a bit chunky is okay, and adds texture.
In large skillet, saute onions over medium-high heat in hot olive oil until soft, about 5 minutes. Add mashed beans to skillet with the water. Mash the beans a little more, combining with the bean liquid. Once bean mixture has become hot and bubbly, reduce heat to medium-low and add the hot sauce, to taste. Add the shredded cheese, if desired. Cover and remove from heat. Let rest until cheese has melted completely, then stir to incorporate.
Yield: 4 servings (about 1/2 cup each).

Other recipes to consider making from scratch to complete your Mexican-inspired family dinner:

Spanish rice

Pulled pork burritos

Cheese enchiladas

Beef and corn enchiladas

Creamy seafood enchiladas

Salsa

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