Refried Beans - from Cafe Pacifico (for four people)
sort one mug of pinto beans to remove any small stones then rinse under running water. Place in a
large saucepan and cover with water and leave to soak overnight or for 10 hours. Drain off the
water. Return to saucepan cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, partially
cover the pan and simmer for 2 hours or more topping up the water and stirring every 20 minutes.
check that the beans are tender and drain, reserving the water to use later. Stir in a tsp of salt
and a tblsp of vegetable oil. Then mash the beans using your cooking water to thin the mixture. The
mashed beans can also be used as a base for bean soup.
(note: I add a pinch of fake bacon bits before mashing the beans. Adds a nice smokey flavour).