Refried Beans With Bacon And Chili

Refried beans have a consistency very similar to that of a puree. Thus, they can be spread on dry foods such as bread, nachos, flour tortillas, raw vegetable sticks, among others.

Unlike charro beans, they are not left whole. It is a very versatile preparation that admits various combinations and that can work both as a garnish and as a main dish.

Mexicans usually enjoy them as a garnish, accompanied with rich and crunchy nachos. They are also used as a base for burritos and tostadas. On the other hand, this meal can also be served as a main dish.

The key really lies in the proportion of refried beans that you prepare.  This will determine the presentation: lunch, dinner or aperitif.

In terms of flavor, refried beans usually have a distinctive taste, largely provided by seasonings and the use of ingredients such as onion, garlic, and vegetable oil. There are those who add a considerable amount of parsley and, on the other hand, others bet on the laurel.

In the recipe that we will show you below, the flavor that will stand out will be that of bacon.

Refried beans with bacon

With this dish inspired by Mexican gastronomy you will get out of the routine and get a set of vegetable proteins that are very flattering for your health.

After all, you have to remember that beans are legumes that provide fiber and carbohydrates, which translates into a large amount of energy. They contain almost no fat and are a varied source of vitamins and minerals  (magnesium, potassium, iron and folic acid).

Before proceeding to prepare this recipe, you should start by cooking your beans. To do this, you must wash them well and let them soak overnight. You must add enough water to the container. This is necessary because they need to be softened before cooking.

If you are in doubt as to whether they are ready or not, see if they have doubled in size during the soaking time. If so, they are ready to cook.

To prevent the beans from taking longer to cook, avoid adding salt at the beginning of cooking. Why? because sodium makes them stay tough longer. In this sense, it is best to add the salt at the end, along with the other seasonings that we want to add.

In several Latin American countries, cubes (chicken, meat or vegetables) are often used.

Ingredients

• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 red bell pepper
• 4 strips of bacon (80 g)
• 1 medium onion
• 4 cups of black beans (400 g)
•  2 tablespoons of parsley or coriander (30 g)
• 1 tablespoon of white vinegar (15 ml)
• ½ glass of chicken broth (100 ml)
• Seasonings: black pepper and salt
• Vegetable oil (olive is suggested)
• Optional: 1 bay leaf, cayenne pepper

Preparation

1. First, wash and finely chop the parsley. Place it in a bowl and reserve.
2. Next, cut the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and bacon into small pieces.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat, lightly greased with vegetable oil, and add the onion, bell pepper and garlic. Once they are golden brown, add the bacon. It must be cooked in its own fat.
4. Next, add the parsley and bay leaf and stir so the flavors blend well for a minute or two.
5. Next, add the beans, vinegar, and chicken broth.
6. Then sprinkle with a pinch of pepper and salt while stirring the ingredients to blend.
7. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. Remember, always on low heat.
8. Once the time has passed, taste and make the necessary salt and pepper adjustments. If it’s done, turn off the heat and set the pan aside. Let it cool slightly to room temperature.
9. Then, put all the preparation in the blender and beat well for a couple of minutes. You should obtain a homogeneous mixture with a creamy texture.  
10. You can decorate with a small sprig of parsley or some sweet corn kernels before serving.
11. Finally, for storage, it is recommended to use a glass container.

As you may have noticed, refried beans are a great option. With this recipe you will be able to satisfy your guests and leave them with a good taste in their mouths. And best of all: you can always play with the ingredients and make the substitutions you want.

Go ahead and take the test!