Name: Refried Beans
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: MexicanLatin America & Caribbean
Ingredients: 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 (15.5 ounces each) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Salt pork, 3 ounces with rind removed and diced very small, removed before serving; 1 small onion, chopped fine (about 3/4 cup); 1 jalapeño chile, seeds and ribs removed, chile minced; 1 poblano chile, seeds and ribs removed, chile chopped fine (about 1/4 cup); 1/4 teaspoon table salt; 3 small cloves garlic, minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1 1/2 teaspoons); 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro leaves; 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (optional)

Why This Recipe Works

Salt pork gave our refried beans recipe rich flavor; onions, garlic, chiles, and cumin gave it complexity; and cilantro and lime juice added at the end gave the beans brightness.

Before You Begin

If you wish to use dried beans, you can find our basic bean recipe, (see related recipe). Substitute reserved cooking water for chicken broth (you may need to add another 2 to 3 tablespoons of cooking water or broth in step 3 if the beans appear too stiff).

Instructions

Process broth and all but 1 cup of beans in food processor until smooth, about 15 seconds, scraping sides of bowl with rubber spatula if necessary. Add remaining beans and process until slightly chunky, about ten 1-second pulses.

Heat oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add salt pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until fat has rendered and pork is well browned, about 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer pork to small bowl with slotted spoon and set aside (you should have about 2 tablespoons of fat left in skillet.)

Increase heat to medium-high; add onion, chiles, and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cumin; cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add beans and stir until thoroughly combined. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until beans are thick and creamy, about 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro and lime juice, if using, and serve.