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Mexican Beans (Frijoles)

Appetisers Sides Beans 20 min

Ingredients

  • 800 g black bean
  • 0.5 tsp cumin
  • 0.25 cup epazote
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp lard
  • 1 tsp mexican oregano
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 white onion

Method

  1. 1

    Heat the fat in a heavy pan over medium heat. Add the onion. Cook 4 minutes until soft.

  2. 2

    Add garlic, oregano, and cumin. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Tip in the beans with their liquid. Add epazote.

  4. 4

    Simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

  5. 5

    For refritos: mash with a potato masher or wooden spoon until thick and glossy, adding a splash of water if too dry.

  6. 6

    Taste. Salt at the end (the tin already has some).

Tip

  • Bean liquid = flavour. Don't drain.
  • Salt last. Tinned beans are pre-salted.
  • Epazote is the one ingredient that makes them taste Mexican. Worth ordering.

Substitution

  • Black or pinto beans: either works. Pinto is creamier, black is earthier. Avoid kidney beans.
  • Lard: bacon fat works beautifully. Olive oil for vegetarian.
  • Epazote: Spice Wagon, Morley. No real substitute — skip if unavailable, the beans are still good.