Homemade Refried Beans

[Arktinkerer]

Let me start by saying I'm not a bean fan.  Even refried beans.  I do, however, like bean dip with lots of cheese and salsa mixed in.  Saw something on Early Retirement Extreme and thought that it didn't look to hard.  We do cook almost all our own food but refried beans are something we always purchase canned.  Let me tell you, these may not last long enough to become bean dip.  Wasn't hard or time consuming.  It takes time, yes.  Soak the beans, slow cooker, sitting after they're done cooking.  The actual finishing was easy--onions and garlic in a pan with some oil, then the beans and some spices.

Anyone else home cook something that is almost always a purchased item?

[forummm]

Oh, I hadn't thought about refried beans. I'll have to try those.

I make a lot of granola (no sugar added). We made some hummus recently. We chop our own vegetables. We generally just buy bulk or raw foods and make them into ourselves. Pasta is one thing where we buy dried.

[Arktinkerer]

I've done homemade pasta.  It is different and does take time.  It is worthwhile, in my opinion, if you want to do specialty pastas likes spinach.  I did a sweet potato pasta that I really liked.

Hummus we have trouble getting it creamy enough.  We wonder if the store bought stuff just has way more oil that we are putting in ours.

[SweetLife]

Hey Arktinkerer!!! I was hoping to get the recipe lol... :)   We make lots of what we eat... can our own tomatoes, make tomato sauce/soup/salsa, can pickles sweet/and garlic ... make strawberry jam :) and basically fill whatever jars possible with whatever we can grow/buy in bulk.  I love making hummus and change up the recipe all the time ... recently tried store bought falafel ... but apparently it is easy to make as well so that is my next try.

Now if I can get my spending in order ... argh

[AndreaGS]

We do refried beans as well! I think they're tastier than the canned, store-bought kind. Black beans are easy to do, and the process is similar--you can find recipes online.

We also make our own:
-soy milk (really easy with a soy milk maker, and I buy organic beans from Laura's Soybeans online)
-kefir (SUPER easy and fantastic in smoothies!)
-kombucha tea
-bread
-mayonnaise
-tomato sauce
-sauerkraut
-chili
-potstickers and steamed buns
-salsa
-hot sauces
-other stuff I can't remember :) We grow a good deal of our food in our backyard, so we tend to make things from scratch.

[forummm]

Oh yeah, I forgot about sauerkraut. I make about a gallon at a time. I want to make the next one with more vegetables (carrots, etc) in it. Red cabbage is my favorite.

[teadirt]

We generally just buy bulk or raw foods and make them into ourselves.

:D I've never thought about cooking as making food into myself before, but that is what eventually happens!

I recently read a recipe somewhere that involved pressure cooking beans inside of glass quart / pint jars. Supposedly the jars will preserve for months in the fridge prepared this way. I've been meaning to try this because every time I cook a pound of beans in a slow cooker, it's hard to eat them all before they go bad in the fridge.

Has anybody tried cooking beans this way before?

[Mrs. PoP]

The "refried" bean part of this recipe makes the best vegetarian refried beans I've ever had in my life.  And they're so insanely easy to make and get so few dishes dirty (one pressure cooker, one immersion blender head, one wooden spoon). 

http://www.hippressurecooking.com/fresh-make-the-7-layer-dip-from-scratch/

[forummm]

We generally just buy bulk or raw foods and make them into ourselves.

:D I've never thought about cooking as making food into myself before, but that is what eventually happens!

My typos are profound and poetic. It's a gift.

[KCM5]

We generally just buy bulk or raw foods and make them into ourselves.

:D I've never thought about cooking as making food into myself before, but that is what eventually happens!

I recently read a recipe somewhere that involved pressure cooking beans inside of glass quart / pint jars. Supposedly the jars will preserve for months in the fridge prepared this way. I've been meaning to try this because every time I cook a pound of beans in a slow cooker, it's hard to eat them all before they go bad in the fridge.

Has anybody tried cooking beans this way before?

No advice on the canning per se, but I freeze extra cooked beans in a quart canning jar. Just thaw it in the fridge a day or two earlier if I'm thinking ahead or defrost in the microwave if I'm not. One jar = 1 can

[4alpacas]

Refried black beans are amazing!  We make them frequently.  Maybe too much.

I've just started making my own kefir.  Homemade naan and pita breads are so easy and tasty.  I've made tortillas a few times, but the effort vs cost doesn't seem worth it. 

[CletusMcGee]

Add a plop of bacon grease (or lard / butter) to the mix if you are feeling gluttonous.  Helps smooth out the texture a bit and adds a depth of flavor.

[forummm]

The "refried" bean part of this recipe makes the best vegetarian refried beans I've ever had in my life.  And they're so insanely easy to make and get so few dishes dirty (one pressure cooker, one immersion blender head, one wooden spoon). 

http://www.hippressurecooking.com/fresh-make-the-7-layer-dip-from-scratch/

Kidney beans huh? Am I crazy or aren't they usually pinto beans?

[Mrs. PoP]

The "refried" bean part of this recipe makes the best vegetarian refried beans I've ever had in my life.  And they're so insanely easy to make and get so few dishes dirty (one pressure cooker, one immersion blender head, one wooden spoon). 

http://www.hippressurecooking.com/fresh-make-the-7-layer-dip-from-scratch/

Kidney beans huh? Am I crazy or aren't they usually pinto beans?

They are usually pinto beans, but trust me that the kidney beans are awesome.  =)

[birdie55]

I have pressure canned dried bean and just use them as if they were a can of beans.  It worked great and since I didn't add salt, I can use the broth in the jar too.  Usually I rinse it off the canned beans because of the salt. 

[Gerard]

Hummus we have trouble getting it [hummus] creamy enough.  We wonder if the store bought stuff just has way more oil that we are putting in ours.

Probably. More oil and a longer/faster blend time. Some commercial hummuseses are more like chick pea flavoured mayonnaise.

[purplepear]

Yup! I make these refried beans in the crockpot: http://www.budgetbytes.com/2011/08/not-refried-beans/

It makes about ~ 3 cans of refried beans, and the leftovers freeze well. Delicious, vegetarian, and cheaper than canned refried beans.

[4alpacas]

Hummus we have trouble getting it [hummus] creamy enough.  We wonder if the store bought stuff just has way more oil that we are putting in ours.

Probably. More oil and a longer/faster blend time. Some commercial hummuseses are more like chick pea flavoured mayonnaise.

For my hummus, I add more olive oil and tahini if I want a really creamy hummus. 

Last night I wanted a lower calorie hummus, so I used a can of chick peas and the liquid instead of olive oil. I opted for much less tahini (I love tahini) and added Sriracha.  Sriracha made everything better. 

[Bracken_Joy]

Do you all have food processors? Does anyone NOT have a food processor, and if so, how do you make your hummus, re-fried beans, etc mentioned in this thread? (Or do I just need to break down and get a food processor? We do eat a lot of guacamole...)

[4alpacas]

Do you all have food processors? Does anyone NOT have a food processor, and if so, how do you make your hummus, re-fried beans, etc mentioned in this thread? (Or do I just need to break down and get a food processor? We do eat a lot of guacamole...)

I do use a food processor (a really cheap little one) for my hummus.  For the refried beans, I use a potato masher. 

[pdxcyn]

I also make refried beans in a slow cooker.  Other things I make/have made from scratch: granola, granola bars, hummus, yogurt, soy milk, chicken broth. I dream of eliminating most convenience foods post-FIRE.

[KMMK]

Do you all have food processors? Does anyone NOT have a food processor, and if so, how do you make your hummus, re-fried beans, etc mentioned in this thread? (Or do I just need to break down and get a food processor? We do eat a lot of guacamole...)

For hummus I use a hand blender- those electric stick type things. For beans I just mash slightly with spoon or potato masher. For guacamole I like it chunky and mostly avocado so usually just mash them with a fork. I don't own a big blender or food processor or any small appliances really, though I use my roommate's microwave.

[Bracken_Joy]

Do you all have food processors? Does anyone NOT have a food processor, and if so, how do you make your hummus, re-fried beans, etc mentioned in this thread? (Or do I just need to break down and get a food processor? We do eat a lot of guacamole...)

For hummus I use a hand blender- those electric stick type things. For beans I just mash slightly with spoon or potato masher. For guacamole I like it chunky and mostly avocado so usually just mash them with a fork. I don't own a big blender or food processor or any small appliances really, though I use my roommate's microwave.

Oooh, I have a stick blender. I guess I thought chickpeas would be too firm? So you just plop everything in a bowl and blend it up, or do you drizzle oil in?

[KMMK]

Do you all have food processors? Does anyone NOT have a food processor, and if so, how do you make your hummus, re-fried beans, etc mentioned in this thread? (Or do I just need to break down and get a food processor? We do eat a lot of guacamole...)

For hummus I use a hand blender- those electric stick type things. For beans I just mash slightly with spoon or potato masher. For guacamole I like it chunky and mostly avocado so usually just mash them with a fork. I don't own a big blender or food processor or any small appliances really, though I use my roommate's microwave.

Oooh, I have a stick blender. I guess I thought chickpeas would be too firm? So you just plop everything in a bowl and blend it up, or do you drizzle oil in?

I just put everything in some sort of container and blend. I use oil and lemon juice and might put a bit of water in to help with the blending.

[Bracken_Joy]

Do you all have food processors? Does anyone NOT have a food processor, and if so, how do you make your hummus, re-fried beans, etc mentioned in this thread? (Or do I just need to break down and get a food processor? We do eat a lot of guacamole...)

For hummus I use a hand blender- those electric stick type things. For beans I just mash slightly with spoon or potato masher. For guacamole I like it chunky and mostly avocado so usually just mash them with a fork. I don't own a big blender or food processor or any small appliances really, though I use my roommate's microwave.

Oooh, I have a stick blender. I guess I thought chickpeas would be too firm? So you just plop everything in a bowl and blend it up, or do you drizzle oil in?

I just put everything in some sort of container and blend. I use oil and lemon juice and might put a bit of water in to help with the blending.

You have brought so much joy to my life. DH is going to be sooooo excited. Thank you!

[regulator]

A big favorite in my house is coconut beans.  Soak a pound of black beans overnight.  Next morning saute a chopped onion and 4 or 5 minced garlic cloves in a gob (at least walnut sized) of extra virgin coconut oil.  Add drained beans, stir for a minute, add water to cover beans and simmer til done (may need extra water).  Salt to taste and serve over rice or barley (we use cooked barley in place of rice because it is cheap, more nutritious, and not loaded with arsenic).  I keep meaning to try refrying these, but there never seem to be leftovers.

[Gumbo1978]

If you do not have time to start with dry beans, you can just take a can of pintos and put the canned beans and juice in a frying pan with some oil and salt.  After 3-4 minutes, mash the beans and once the juice has evaporated to the consistency you like, serve.  This is what my Mexican friend does.  Way better than canned refried beans.

[Hvillian]

I'll share my favorite recipe, only because it is so easy.  All ingredients just go into the crockpot, and you don't have to soak the beans if you don't want to.  I have used pinto and black beans, and both are delicious.

Crockpot "Refried" Beans
http://penniesandpancakes.blogspot.com/2012/09/crockpot-refried-beans-019-per-cup.html#.VYsLTBtViko

[John Dough]

We generally just buy bulk or raw foods and make them into ourselves.

:D I've never thought about cooking as making food into myself before, but that is what eventually happens!

I recently read a recipe somewhere that involved pressure cooking beans inside of glass quart / pint jars. Supposedly the jars will preserve for months in the fridge prepared this way. I've been meaning to try this because every time I cook a pound of beans in a slow cooker, it's hard to eat them all before they go bad in the fridge.

Has anybody tried cooking beans this way before?

I make them the normal way in a pressure cooker and freeze them in plastic pint containers.

[10dollarsatatime]

We generally just buy bulk or raw foods and make them into ourselves.

:D I've never thought about cooking as making food into myself before, but that is what eventually happens!

I recently read a recipe somewhere that involved pressure cooking beans inside of glass quart / pint jars. Supposedly the jars will preserve for months in the fridge prepared this way. I've been meaning to try this because every time I cook a pound of beans in a slow cooker, it's hard to eat them all before they go bad in the fridge.

Has anybody tried cooking beans this way before?

I'd have to see your recipe, but it sounds like the regular old way to can shelf stable beans.  They wouldn't even have to be refrigerated.  Basically, I soak the beans overnight, pop into canning jars, add water and maybe a little bit of salt, and process in the my pressure canner for whatever the recommended time is.  I don't remember off the top of my head, as the last time I canned beans was months ago, but I'm running low.  Must be time to do another batch.  Anyway, the beans turn out nice and creamy using this method.

[birdie55]

I've pressure canned dried beans, didn't even soak them in advance.  I put a heaping 1/4 cup in each jar and covered with boiling water.  No salt in mine.  Processed them according to the directions and they were shelf stable.  Just like canned beans only using my ingredients and no salt.  I need to do another batch soon, too. 

[Arktinkerer]

A little off topic but something I saw done with a pressure cooker that I thought was pretty cool--

They took a vacuum pump and piped it to the relief valve on the pressure cooker.  Put dry grains, beans, etc in normal canning jars with lids and pull a vacuum.  Might have to heat the lids to soften the rubber first. 

Great way to put stuff away for long term storage.  I have a vacuum pump I use for AC work.  I think you could even borrow one for free at some of the auto parts stores.

[mm1970]

the key to creamy hummus is to use the America's test kitchen/ Cook's illustrated recipe/ method.  Yes, requires a food processor.

[I'm a red panda]

Refried black beans are my favorite. So much better than other beans.


When you say something most always purchased- do you mean at a restaurant?  I didn't know you could get them at a store. Are they frozen?

[Bracken_Joy]

Refried black beans are my favorite. So much better than other beans.


When you say something most always purchased- do you mean at a restaurant?  I didn't know you could get them at a store. Are they frozen?

Rosaritas! Canned refried beans. I used to see black bean refrieds by that brand too, but they were harder to find. Don't buy them anymore though.

[I'm a red panda]

Rosaritas! Canned refried beans. I used to see black bean refrieds by that brand too, but they were harder to find. Don't buy them anymore though.

Interesting! I had no idea you could buy them canned.

[puglogic]

Oh!  I didn't see this thread before posting my own (the DIY kitchen thread).  LOTS of great ideas here, thanks everybody.

[Mynameisnotfluffydude]

It's been years since I bought a can of beans.  You can get so many delicious varieties of beans and mix them together to create the most delicious bean dips and medleys imaginable. 

One thing that I do is to BRINE the beans first (and then discard that liquid).  This helps two ways: one, flavor and creaminess are noticeably increased.  Two, it breaks down the enzymes on the beans that cause some people to become... pungent.  My DH for example.  Loves beans but they are destructive to his system.  Brining really helps!

[Arktinkerer]

Refried black beans are my favorite. So much better than other beans.


When you say something most always purchased- do you mean at a restaurant?  I didn't know you could get them at a store. Are they frozen?

Refried black beans are harder to find.  I've had them a couple times (use them for bean dip!) and did like them better.  Will have to try that next time!