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Frijoles Refritos: Some Tips and Tricks to Spice up This Traditional Dish

They aren’t probably up there in your top favorite dishes. But we want to help you change that by paying homage to the traditional Mexican dish.

When you think of outstanding hispanic dishes, refried beans aren’t probably up there in your top favorites. But if you pay close attention, you’ll realize that they’re actually found in almost all our menus and hardly ever shine like the star of the show.

Today we’re going to pay homage to this underrated dish, by suggesting some ideas for how you can give them some sizzle.

Switch Up Your Beans

Traditionally, the bean most used for the dish is the pinto bean, but you can create all kinds of different textures using other beans like black beans or black eyed peas, or even switch up the color with some with kidney or fava beans!

iStock/piyaset

The Protein

Usually, a good base for any bean dish traditionally carries some sort of pork protein like lard or bacon. Try spicing things up a bit by using something with a bit more bang, like chorizo meat or sobrasada. 

iStock/RG-Photography

Infuse The Frying Oil

Frijoles refritos are, well, fried after having been soaked and cooked. This second step can be essential for adding extra flavor to the mix.

How about adding some chiles when heating up the oil to infuse it with extra flavor? Serrano and fresno peppers are ideal for a subtle herbal hint, and chipotle can add much needed complimentary smoke or – ahumando – to the dish.

iStock/AlexPro9500

What other ideas do you have to spice up your frijoles?