Tex_Mex

 I live in North America - the Montreal region to be precise - and we do have

some ingredients to make Tex-Mex dishes, but no restaurants. So yesterday,

using tortillas, was a first for me. Reading up, I know hard-shelled tortillas are

used for tacos, soft-shelled for fajitas, the first being a takeaway meal, the second

served on a plate...Burritos are heftier, made with larger shells.

                                                 

I did become fascinated with the notion of refried beans. This is what COPILOT had 

to say about them.

Refried beans are a popular dish in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. Despite the name, they are not actually fried twice. The term "refried" comes from the Spanish word "refritos," which means "well-fried." Refried beans are typically made from pinto beans, but black beans can also be used.

 How to Prepare Refried Beans

   Ingredients:

- 2 cups of cooked pinto beans (or one 15-ounce can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed)

- 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or lard

- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin

- Salt to taste

- Optional: cheese, cilantro, lime juice for garnish

     Instructions:

1.   Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil or lard over medium heat.

2.   Cook the Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

3.   Add the Beans: Add the cooked pinto beans to the skillet. If using canned beans, make sure they are drained and rinsed.

4.   Mash the Beans: Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash the beans in the skillet. You can mash them to your desired consistency, either smooth or slightly chunky.

5.   Season: Add the ground cumin and salt to taste. Stir well to combine.

6.   Cook: Continue to cook the beans, stirring occasionally, until they reach your desired consistency. If the beans become too thick, you can add a little water or bean broth to thin them out.

7.   Serve: Serve the refried beans warm, garnished with cheese, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Refried beans are a versatile dish and can be used as a side dish, a filling for burritos, or a topping for nachos. Enjoy!

Have you ever tried making refried beans at home?

 

Pinto beans are native to the Americas, but cumin is a European spice. All part of the 

Columbian Exchange when foodstuffs and animals were introduced between the continents...

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That's rather funny...

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