Frijoles Refritos - (Don't Call 'em Re-Fried) Beans | Rick Bayless Taco Manual

[@donhull2440]

Rick, for convenience I cook my beans in my slow cooker. I start in the morning with the slow cooker on high, let the slow cooker come to a boil and boil the beans until done. Just like you, all the beans and juice are used. If, for some reason I want to soak the beans overnight then I simply do that in the slow cooker and cook them them next day.. Easy and uses far less energy than stove top cooking.

[@cubanmama4564]

I am Cuban born. We breathe black beans and rice. I love Mexican frijoles refritos with queso fresco. One of my frustrations is getting fresh dry beans, not the dried out old beans from the supermaket that do not cook evenly or yield creamy beans. I finally found a source that I keep going back to: Rancho Gordo. They source many types of high quality beans and I order those small black beans by the case.

[@lcflngn]

Yay Rancho Gordo! Best beans by far. Not cheap, but dependable.

[@morrismonet3554]

I make small batches and have great luck with canned black beans. Always consistent.

[@Lisa_MS64]

I had Cuban black beans once in a restaurant, and I distinctly remember molasses being an ingredient. For years, Iv'e searched for a recipe even remotely similar. Is this something you're familar with?

[@christineeleonorepoppe6745]

I lived on Mallorca for two year's and a Cuban friend invited me over for dinner...his mom made black beans with rice and it was sooooo delicious 🤤

[@oldschoolfunkster1]

Try adding a pinch or two of baking soda when boiling. It breaks down the bean fiber. I use dried pinto beans and when I do this, they come out softer, creamer and even get lighter in color. The taste doesn't change at all.

[@daphnepearce9411]

This exactly how I make my frijoles. I do add a couple of healthy pinches of dried epazote to my simmering beans, taste for salt, careful not to over salt but definitely don't under salt either. I love homemade beans in fact, my measure of a Mexican restaurant is how just how good the beans taste. Time to get cooking! Thanks Rick!

[@brianradtke6677]

Absolutely

[@elchatoist]

Definitely the adding of epazote , counters gaseous emissions. ;)

[@MrLardobutt]

ditton on restaurant beans, most places just toss them in a pot with salt, that's so boring and basic, it's so easy to elevate beans to something that tastes amazing

[@JamesLC16]

Nice to see a decent recipe, another way we eat them in southeast Mexico is, that if you add two and a half times the amount of water he used to cook the beans on the stove and salt, epazote and pork meat you have yourself basically a soup, which we add many garnishes after serving like, chopped cilantro, finely diced red onion, tomato sauce from the molcajete, finely diced habanero pepper, diced avocados and if, of your likeness, a squeeze of lemon juice (what you call lime, the green one) or if you blend everything he did for the frijoles refritos and return it again to the pan to cook again and reduce a bit or add more cooking water from the beans pot, depending how runny you’d like them, it’s called “frijol colado” which is an excellent dip, side dish, or good accompanied over rice, in some parts of northern Mexico they would add more stuff to it and even cheese and would be called “frijoles puercos” because they would add many pork derived ingredients like beacon, chorizo, lard, etc.

[@KI5CRG]

I always make pinto's into soup like that. simmer a long time and you get a rich broth. My wife is not fond of beans in general but she can't believe the flavorful broth we make.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

The soupy consistency gives you extra caldo (broth) to put some rice and use it for a different meal.

[@kindabluejazz]

I always heard 'use lard for beans' so I bought a tub of it. Afterwards, I didn't understand what the fuss was about - it added absolutely no flavor! Now I understand that white stuff in the store is purified and flavorless - basically no different than Crisco. So now when I buy a pork shoulder I trim the fat and render that down and store in the fridge - now THAT adds flavor! Thanks Rick.

[@matthewgarvey995]

Yeah the problem is when using saturated fat got demonized and people started living different lifestyles, using fat from the animal for cooking became forgotten.

[@rebeccamorales1057]

A dab of bacon grease is good, too!

[@matthewgarvey995]

I use bacon fat all the time!@@rebeccamorales1057

[@willcresson8776]

​@@rebeccamorales1057I use lard as one of my main cooking fats, but I love to flesh it out with a bit of bacon grease when pan frying meats and veggies!

[@barefootkid592.0]

My ex is from culiacan Mexico, he was a very good cook.. he hated beans fried in any kind of fat, and used the juice from the beans..He would flavor the beans with white onion, Serranos and other spices, he would then add a little bit of milk at the end of the mash..So delicious 😋

[@danf4447]

what a cool looking Mid century looking house and kitchen!!

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

Here in the southwest we eat a lot of beans- all kinds are appreciated and used in pastas.,soups, tortillas, tortas, tamales, even salads.

[@Eduardomd54]

Rick; the slow cooker is a good option, for cooking frijoles, like the Crock Pot. They cook nicely., maybe all over night. I do that in Mexico where I live , with very good results. I am only a aficionado to the kitchen. My wife and I follow you, in 2016 been in Chicago and went to Xoco, and have a very good meal. Wu wanted to go to Topolobampo, but was closed . We enjoy very much your view of mexican cuisine .

[@lindacoffin5110]

I love the smell when cooking dry beans. Canned in a pinch but dry beans are worth the effort!

[@SCCL1000]

Thanks for this recipe. I have made black beans using a recipe by a Brazilian whose restaurant, Chicama, was in Puerto Vallarta. He used olive oil and the only other thing is oregano. Very nice, I must say. But one thing I just learned from you, Rick, is that they freeze well. For me, that is so useful. Thanks.....

[@Mphscat]

Married to a guy from Mexico and we do the beans in the crockpot if standing over the stove isn't your thing. They always come out perfect. Cook all day on low. Transfer to a big skillet with lard and the rest is like Rick's method. Delicious.

[@j3annie1963]

I use bacon fat all the time when making the beans! What a great smokey flavor you get with the bacon fat. I also add in smoked paprika and some cumin as well to round out the flavor and bring more earthy taste. Thanks Rick!

[@JennarallyOutside]

You had me at not having to overnight soak! I forget every time!

[@dvanmartin9842]

one of the most delicious dishes in all of Mexico

[@michelleneal6860]

Chef Bayless, you are my inspiration. My Julia Child, per se. I've read all of your books, grew up with watching your shows, and I've lived in and around Chicago my entire life. Someday, I'll make it to Frontera. But in the mean time, I'm going to continue making your recipes and learning all I can about Mexican culture.

[@gibrancaballero]

Have you been to Frontera yet?

[@michelleneal6860]

Not yet. But I did have an incredible Margarita I had at Ohare last week at the express location. They have the best staff in the airport.@@gibrancaballero

[@carmenmartinez2882]

When I moved to USA from Mexico City many years ago the thing I missed the most was the authentic food but since I’m in California I scape to Baja and eat the wonderful food, lots of fresh seafood too fished in the early morning, on your plate in the afternoon which is hard to get where I am (small town in the mountains). I’ve been to Chicago only once, nice place, brutal winters, we get snow where I’m at but winters are mild in comparison.

[@esrevinu.]

another no nonsense perfectly done crash course in the beans, sir! Well done,

[@omarcortes5754]

A slice of bread spread with frijoles is my go to.

[@phil4208]

Here in upstate new york I add hot Italian sausage and green peppers to the onions and garlic then the beans and mash them, burritos, tacos, a side with eggs, or a warm bean dip , refried beans are very versatile

[@DrRonaldSIpock]

I make mine based on a typical abuelita-type recipe. I put the beans in a pressure cooker and fill it with water. While the water is coming to temp, I fry 3 bacon strips and half a brick of salt pork. When they are crispy crunchy, I add them to the beans and pressure cook everything with a bit of salt. Then I fry and mash them with whatever amount of bean water I want to achieve the gravy I am seeking. I have a mixture of raw sweet Hatch onions and cilantro which I add as a garnish for crunch and flavor

[@ms.arambula5711]

I love that beautiful clay pot, perfect for cooking beans. Great method to refrying beans, lots of taste adding the onions and garlic. Go Mr. Bayless, you are my favorite Mexican chef, I continue to learn so many cooking techniques and endless knowledge about Mexico, thank you ❤😊

[@MegaYourkidding]

Thanks Rick, I live in Cuernavaca and to be honest I do not like the smooth soupy beans they serve here. They do not have flavor. I make mine the same way with black beans also. But every once in a while I add different things like bacon with fat, or the other things your commenters mention. I also appreciate the time you said in the fridge and that you can freeze them. Thanks

[@ragheadand420roll]

Chef Another good point to remember when doing beans on the stove if you need to add more water to your beans ONLY USE VERY VERY WARM to hot water Using cold water will make the bean water much darker and cloudy Tastes fine.. but looks awful Thanks for your wonderful work ✌🏻👍🏻🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@lcflngn]

Ty for the tip!

[@pmchamlee]

Gracias mi venerable profesor

[@captainofiron]

Just like my grandma taught me how to make them, thanks for sharing Rick buen provecho!

[@ArtemioSilva]

That’s what I call authentic Mexican cuisine ❤

[@GlobusFunsters]

Good afternoon, Rick! Many years ago, I spent a couple of months in Saltillo. One of my favorite restaurants was ________EQUUS. I cannot remember their complete name but they served the best refried beans I have ever eaten. It was more of a bar than a restaurant, but, the taste of the beans these people served has always stayed with my taste buds. The reason was that the beans had a deep bacon/pork flavor. I have never been able to duplicate or find a recipe that gives me this pleasure. With your extensive background in Mexican foods, I was hoping you could explore this recipe and finally offer it to all of your followers and me. Thank you, Sir. A fellow Chicagoan.

[@GaryDeWitt-t6p]

Bacon drippings, what a great idea! What, no heat? My friend Maru from Vera Cruz makes her black beans exactly like this, but adds a couple of whole jalapenos. I like to slit them on the sides in a couple of places, then remove them after simmering the beans. Also, I find the darker brown the onions, the better. Takes patience, though.

[@miguelsalazar9530]

With a tostada beans and ranchero cheese mmmm!

[@Denise00700]

I’ve called them refried beans because that’s what the menu said. Your recipe looks delicious!

[@juanjoperez7537]

Man, I love your measuring references: 2 cups with this kind go beans, 2.5 with these others. Thank you

[@ShrednESP]

I like to cook my black beans in my slow cooker (no pre soak) for about 6-7 hours on low with a bay leaf, onion, garlic. For the liquid 1/2 fresh pork stock 1/2 water. I make a 2 lb batch then freeze for different needs. Black beans are our go to bean as well.

[@toshiyukisuzuki7610]

I love Chef Rick's tip on smearing frijoles refritos on a tortilla and sprinkled with queso.... will try that! I do not know if Chef Rick has latin blood but I love when he pronounces spanish/ mexican words with so much flair

[@wdpbgpkjwdfbvpkjl1550]

I like that he says it slow enough for gringos like me to understand

[@toshiyukisuzuki7610]

@@wdpbgpkjwdfbvpkjl1550 He is such a cool cool dude 👍

[@LisadeKramer]

I guess I was taught well. I love beans and fix Refritos often. Serve with pickled red cabbage, picked red onions, jalapenos, yum!

[@br4653]

I love that the quality of your ingredients is important ❤️

[@tezhug1890]

Love refried beans

[@joyceharvey410]

Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to try my black beans this way. Looks tasty.

[@barbaraowens2299]

Exactly how I've always made mine except I add cumin, love that flavor. They do freeze great!

[@yolandalynner2978]

My mouth is watering!! 😁😋

[@UnigirlTx]

Love the video thank you. You said 2 ways to cook the beans... you forgot one: slow cooker. That is how I cook pretty much all my beans in the crockpot. They come out so good no matter what I'm making them for.

[@taylorbarringer]

I am watching this video while eating beans that I made in the crockpot 😂

[@skokokelli]

It was life changing when I realized I could make beans in the crockpot and freeze them. So easy.

[@tomsaaristo6294]

Game changer! Onions and bacon fat! I add vinegar to mine. Thanks, Chef!

[@carmenmartinez2882]

I love pressure cookers and prefer the stove top ones because they give me more control taking less space, I don’t soak them but I do a flash cook for 4 minutes under pressure which is the equivalent of soaking overnight, I don’t change the water just add the ingredients, fat etc, don’t forget legumes need some fat or oil in pressure cooker. I’m from Mexico City and that’s how my mom used to cook them, I remember as kids we weren’t supposed to enter the kitchen when pressure cooker was going lol, the very old ones didn’t have the safety features new ones have but we never had an accident. Pressure cookers really infuse all the flavors in everything you cook. I love how Rick sticks to the real Mexican food but gives different alternatives to those of us that live in USA and find it hard to find some ingredients. I’ve been a subscriber of this channel for sometime and never been disappointed as to the taste of the real Mexican food recipes. Thanks Rick.

[@mariasolorzano2484]

Señor chef, lo amamos!

[@shadowman4966]

Beans 4 C pinto beans boil ten min and drain twice. Add to the pot boiled and drained beans with one jar of roasted green salsa such as herdez. Add 6 good size cloves of garlic, add a table spoon of each chili powder , garlic powder, onion powder and one carton of veg broth low sodium And Two cups of water. Ring this to a boil then put the pot in your instant pot and set to cook beans. Once done chill by stirring in a cold water bath till mostly cool. Then season with Lawerys garlic salt to taste. Good for two weeks in the frig.

[@manishaholm]

You slice onions exactly the way I do. Refreshing.

[@pamyacuzzo6614]

Wonderful information! Thank you for teaching!

[@curtk8715]

he has made them so much that he didn't need to taste them at the end for salt. This winter will try making some- Think I will start by using canned. The only bean I liked as a kid was green beans. Think it was because I helped pick the beans I watched my grandmother grow- and then grandmother cooked them in a pressure cooker with some butter . Weird that I really like canned green beans also. Other beans and peas - would pick out of chili and stews, and chicken ala king. drove parents nuts that at the end of a meal would have a pile of beans or peas in the bottom of the bowl. or plate.

[@cheryllittmann1670]

I love these beans. Great recipe Rick. Yea I’m of the crockpot generation. I would still fry the onions and garlic after beans are cooked in a cast iron pan. Delicious. Thanks for sharing!

[@GreenWitch1]

I could live on beans! I cook them all the time 🥰 This recipe looks pretty good.

[@stephenhope7319]

Good knowledge here, I like the idea of making enough to freeze and save and not have to have the stove on too often. Just made a nice chicken fajitas taco dish for family, wish I had seen this recipe earlier. Cheers Rick.

[@esmeraldadiazdimas19]

That’s the consistency that my mom likes beans. She calls them frijoles guisados, but she prefers pinto beans. I love black beans

[@moongloomable]

Thanks perfect recipe and well explained!

[@markbeedy6784]

Yum. This is new to me and I can't wait to try it. Thanks Rick!

[@snk1008]

Growing up in Houston we had the jar of bacon fat ready to use on the stove. A spoonful went into many dishes and vegetables. As a vegetarian adult, I would use olive oil in a recipe like this----and alot less. I love how you are very inclusive for everyone's own interpretation.

[@kevinfoley7704]

Great video.

[@ecam90]

"re" isn't only "more" - it can be used in the "done again" way too. For example REcyclado as in recycled, REcalentado as in REheated . Gonna try these btw

[@macsarcule]

Rick, such and awesome video to learn the basics and all the things you know about making beans! I will feel more confident now when I do this, so helpful! And I LOVE the quiet part where you’re chopping! It really draws me in and makes me feel like I’m in your kitchen with you! 🙂💜

[@Loke2112]

Thank you brother. I already knew how to make this, but really enjoyed watching you do it got off my butt and put some pinto beans on the stove. Gonna make a little salsa Arbol and take it from there.

[@Sheila-sx2sq]

Thanks for this! I absolutely love your channel!❤

[@loualcaraz6497]

The lard from carnitas is the best fat to cook beans. So long as that lard isn't ruined with coke or milk or orange juice or whatever else is trendy on KZbin. In michoacan we don't add anything to the lard but salt so that we can use it to give our foods a delicious taste.

[@klstay]

Fantastic - one of my absolute all time favorite dishes. There is no way I could stop at just 1/4 cup of bacon grease though. Also, my 5 gallon bucket of black beans is pretty old now (we at far more pinto) so I definitely have to soak them overnight first. Something to consider for those who also store dried beans and they may be a bit older.

[@judgetoogood1033]

Love my re Fritos ❤❤❤

[@sunshine2049]

Olive oil and butter makes a great base to fry the onions

[@eduardodifarnecio2336]

Looks awesome. A note about canned beans: high sodium. For those watching their sodium intake gotta cook your own beans. And if you really enjoy your beans a pressure cooker is a great investment. Beans cook in no time in it using a minimum of gas or electricity.

[@AlexZander688]

I simmer my beans with salt, small amount of baking soda, onion, garlic, jalapeno, small amount of carrot, a small amount of black pepper right from the start. ...Then when they are done, I chunky mash them up and add plenty of broth and reduce down. I like them a bit loose, because they will stiffen up a bit when cooling down. Sometimes I use diced cooked bacon or bacon drippings for flavor or corn oil. Sometimes I just enjoy them vegetarian style without any pork fat. ...Enjoy them most by making some tostadas.

[@Rickflairshair]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Awesome video and presentation. Thank you sir.

[@donhull2440]

One of the ways I use frijoles is to spread them on a large flour tortilla, put some shredded cheese (and chopped or sliced preserved jalapeno chillies if desired) and heat this in a skillet until the tortilla is soft, the frijoles spread is hot, and the cheese melts. I add a serving of scrambled eggs and roll up the tortilla. If desired add some salsa, crema, sour cream, or yogurt for a great breakfast.tortilla.

[@SupremeOverlord10]

So why salt? The reason is, when something like beans are in a salt solution, water will go from from the beans to the solution. In a no salt solution water will soak into the beans better. That's the theory. Personally I add half the final salt to my rinsed beans. Then finish near the end for taste. Rick is awesome, and I keep coming back.

[@robertsterner2145]

I made these exactly like this with moro beans from my last Rancho Gordo bean club drop (with admittedly a bit less garlic and salt in the soaking/cooking water) and OMG they were otherworldly, I never knew frijoles refritos could be so amazing.

[@thomasbarnes2582]

Rick, your recipes and books fantastic. Nothing like well made frijoles. I usually add a teaspoon or 2 of fresh ground cumin while cooking and a tablespoons or 2 of olive oil just before serving. Bring on the tortillas!

[@marksieber4626]

Cool old lodge combo cooker

[@eamonpoplin8540]

I’ve been making my frijoles negros like this for years - I’m told that they’re a blending or hybrid of the Mexican and Cuban styles. But I do use my pressure cooker for them, absolutely. 40 minutes on high, then to the stovetop to simmer for about two hours as I add in my sofrito 😋

[@aimxray9823]

5:36 can you make it without adding any salt?

[@anamericancookinspain6738]

Starting with dried (unsoaked) beans was a really interesting technique here. I didn't realize that was a thing. Love it.

[@psrosemary]

I cook beans in a bit more water because the broth makes delicious soup with a poached egg and fresh chopped cilantro and onion.

[@chillin2150]

This is exactly how I make mine..but I've always used pinto beans and and when mashing I agg some cheese!! Makes them creamy

[@Crankinstien]

Can,t wait to try this

[@charliedavis8894]

The only time I use canned beans is in my pasta bean salad. Rotini pasta, black, navy, kidney and garbanzo beans, Italian dressing made with balsamic vinegar and olive oil and whatever veggies I have. REAL beans for frying though, (pintos) I still make in a crockpot overnight. I have a bowl for breakfast and refry some for dinner, yum! I like sour cream and cheese on the beans in a tortilla.

[@bradcampbell624]

These look fantastic. Such a simple prep. We are officially Friends Brother!

[@gerardobrown-manrique900]

My only addition on occasion is to add a chipotle... gives a nice flavor to the frijoles refritos.

[@ManuelMartinez-yd1ji]

I do things a little different; I don’t add onions or garlic( I will have to try that). Also I fry the beans until they split open then I mash them. Then like Rick does I mix in enough liquid to make them more watery than I want because the dish gets firmer in just a few minutes

[@jerrycarter7822]

Would like to see you do a video on frijoles borrachos!

[@claytrocious7000]

I enjoy the mayacoba, or peruano beans from time to time. White American people are used to to seeing either pinto or black beans in respect to Mexican food, but those creamy beans fill in pretty good for dishes that use cannellini type beans. If your into pork, do a pared down cassoulet with some belly and sausage, or the Eastern European white bean sauerkraut stew called Jota. Winter never had a chance.

[@judysocal8682]

I like home made beans are better than canned. I don't think I ever make them the same way twice in regards to seasoning but they are simple so always good.

[@edwardshell1289]

Thanks, Rick. I always added bacon strips to my pot of beans at the start. I’m going to cook the bacon in the oven and use the drippings. Guess what we’re having tomorrow!

[@markwoldin162]

Gracias.

[@ricardojaimes6604]

Been waiting to see this video. Great stuff as always chef. Any recommendations on dry bean brands?

[@rakitakhan]

If Rick were to cook asphalt with sauce, I'd eat it. The man is a food god.

[@sanjursan]

Hey Rick, do you have a source for that short sided cast skillet?

[@normasouza1086]

Instapot for 45min. Add epazote. I mash them in their own broth- no oil or fat. Make burritos (beans & cheese). Wrap them in wax paper and freeze them. Everyone has lunch or dinner when time is limited ❤

[@redviewstudio]

I remembered watching his show on tv back in texas like 20 plus years ago, he has aged a lot, Hope he is doing well. I am so happy to see him again

[@russellzauner]

If all you have is table salt, pls halve the amount you're using - flake, kosher, and many naturally harvested salts are not dense (contain a lot of air volume). The weights will be the same but the volume won't for the same actual salt content.

[@28carrasquillo]

we eat pinto beans in Colombia mix with fried tomatoes, onions and garlic we do not smash it but it taste very good too!

[@Ekdog]

Pinto beans are very popular in northern Mexico and in the American Southwest, too.

[@gmatheny8819]

Your snack, do you put the Cotija cheese on the beans, or on the top of the tortilla? Or both? Corn or flour tortilla? Thank you!

[@zebscircle]

Love it! Thanks!

[@bstewartexecutivecarcare3797]

I have essentially been making mine this way for years, just add a little cumin powder. Slather on a baquete and some queso place under the broiler for a few minutes and you have a delicious sandwich. These type of beans never last more than 2 days in my house, excellent recipe 👍✌️☮️

[@makelikeatree1696]

I scanned the comments looking to see if anyone else mentioned cumin. I always add a bit of cumin to mine as well.

[@Thecelestial1]

6:25 great pronunciation!

[@Jarrahs24]

Damn you, Rick, Im making hella beans this weekend!!!

[@eddieafterburner]

Did you make hella beans that weekend?

[@leedoss6905]

Some people say cooking beans with salted water makes them turn dark. Ive never seen this. I believe soaking the beans in salted water makes a huge difference for the good in flavor. Just like you would cook pasta or shrimp in salted water. What you don't ever want to do is cook beans with sugared fluids they will never get soft.

[@conniegreco8409]

Thank you so much ❤️ ❤❤

[@katherine6029]

10:29 Note: Rick rarely makes less than 1 lb dried beans at at time, they "freeze beautifully" and can last "a week or so" in the fridge. Snack idea: put beans in a tortilla and sprinkle queso fresco inside