Making your own refried beans is easy and economical. There are many uses for refried beans; bean burritos, bean tacos, beans and cheese. They are inexpensive and very nutritious. Pinto beans are high in fiber, magnesium and potassium. When you make your own refried beans you can also control the amount of salt in the recipe, which is great for people on a low sodium diet.

To make refried beans, purchase a bag of dried pinto beans. Soak all day and then cook overnight on low in the crock pot with lots of water. In the morning, drain off most of the water and then put in the fridge to cool. It is important that you fry the beans while they are cold. After the beans have cooled add a small amount of butter or bacon grease to a frying pan.

Then add the cold cooked beans. The amount of liquid in the beans is up to you. The more liquid the soupier the beans.

Cook on a medium heat. While beans are cooking start to mash with a potato masher.

Continue to mash until they are the desired consistency. Your beans should be simmering as you are mashing. Mix in a small amount of salt. I don’t have a measurement because it is really to your taste. If your beans are too runny cook a little longer and the liquid will boil off.

Serve.

We used these beans on open tacos.

If you like to freeze your meals, freeze your beans after they have been cooked in the crock pot but before they have been fried. Thaw in the fridge, fry and serve.

For more Kitchen Tips visit Tammy’s Recipes.