Frijoles Refritos (Refried Beans)

1. 1

   Put the beans into a large saucepan with cold water to cover by 2 cm.

2. 2

   Add half onions and garlic with chilies and bay leaf.

3. 3

   Bring to the boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer gently for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.

4. 4

   Add 1 tbsp.

5. 5

   lard or oil after approximately 20 minutes, when beans have begun to wrinkle.

6. 6

   Add water during cooking, if necessary.

7. 7

   Approximately 30 minutes before the end of cooking time, add salt without adding any more water.

8. 8

   In a large frying pan, heat a tbsp.

9. 9

   lard and saute the remaining onion and garlic together until soft.

10. 10

    Add the chopped tomatoes and fry gently a further few minutes.

11. 11

    Take about 1/2 cup of the beans with some of the liquid from the saucepan and add them to the frying pan, mashing the beans into a paste.

12. 12

    Continue adding and mashing the beans this way until all are added.

13. 13

    Add a tbsp.

14. 14

    of lard every now and then to fry the bean paste -- the amount is a matter of taste.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.