I don't think it's very easy for a food blogger to name a favorite food. I mean, what a commitment to make when there is just so much amazing food out there. It would be like asking a mathematician what they're favorite equation is, or a florist their favorite flower, how do you choose?
HOWEVER, gun to my head, if I had to name a favorite, it would be Mexican food. Oh how I adore their flavorful, spicy meats, chewy warm tortillas and cilantro...is there a better flavor in the world then cilantro? I don't make Mexican food much because I just don't feel like I can measure up to the real stuff being sold by people who have been making it their entire lives. But since Philly has a real shortage of good authentic Mexican food, I think it's time to learn.
I'm starting simple by making my own refried beans. This is a quick recipe, so the beans come of out the can and not the bag. They are a snap to make, and oh so good, I'll never buy them out of the can again!
Refried Beans
America's Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook
Ingredients
3 cans red kidney beans, rinsed (I used black)
1 cup water
1 onion, minced
1 large jalapeno chile, stemmed, seeded and minced
4 teaspoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
salt
hot sauce
Directions
1. Process the beans and water in a food processor until smooth, about 2 minutes, scrap down sides of the bowl as needed.
2. Combine the onion, jalapeno, and 1 teaspoon of the oil in a medium saucepan. Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetable are softened, 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cumin and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the pureed beans until thoroughly combined.
4. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring often until the beans have thickened and the flavors have blended, about 10 minutes. Stir in the remaining tablespoons oil and cilantro, Season with salt and hot sauce to taste and serve.
Serves 8
Per 1/2 cup serving: 120 cal, 2.5g fat, 19g carbs, 7g prot, 6g fiber
After the beans were made, I rolled them in flour tortillas, put them in a casserole pan and soaked the whole thing with green enchilada sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and bake at 375 for about twenty minutes. Creamy, tangy heaven! It's also not too bad for you. Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, olives and sour cream. ENJOY!
35 comments:
Refried beans are SOOOOO good! I've made a couple different varieties and have loved them every time. Yours look fabulous! And they are the perfect salad topper. And I must agree, Mexican food is totally awesome
Oh dear. You will not like me very much, Teresa, because if there's one cuisine I dislike, it's Mexican. Unless it's Mexican bread, which is fabulous. I buy them almost every day!
I've needed a recipe for homemade refried beans for the longest time. Now I have one :-) I really like the way you utilized them. I love enchiladas and yours sound perfect. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
I've only made refried beans a few times and I love them! This looks like my kind of meal...yum!
Teresa, what a wonderfully tasty looking meal. Good job making your own refried beans. They do look worth it!
Mexican food, and beans, are definitely some of my favorite food too.
Love this quick recipe for refried beans. I would be in heaven with those enchiladas. Yum!
These beans sound great, Teresa. So they were really that much better than store bought, eh? I guess I never even thought about the possibility that you could make them yourself.
I was looking for a homemade refried bean recipe instead of buying the canned ones. Looks perfect. Glad that I bump into your blog. I bookmark the recipe.
a healthier dish with refried beans! I love it!
peachkins of The Peach Kitchen
I have to agree with the cilantro. Love the stuff! This is on my list to make. Thanks so much!
Yummy, I am not a fan of beans in general but yours look yummy!
Can't wait to try it! Like always... Miss you!
God...favorite type of food. I really couldn't answer that question. But Mexican is definitely a food that I ADORE! Refried beans especially. Love this easy homemade recipe!
Well, you know I love Mexican food...and this looks so good. Love beans in any form and give all of my favorite flavors as an accompaniment and I'm a happy camper!! :D
Oh my God! Why have I not done this!
I just got that book from my library and absolutely love it - didn't see that recipe yet, so thanks for the heads up!
I'm with you, I adore Mexican food and flavors!
Que delicioso ,me encanta ,la ensalada luce fantástica y la carne es como nuestri pino o tuco,te sigo porque me encantan tus recetas,abrazos y cariños.
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I think all of us are stumped when someone asks our favorite food....and our favorite restaurant! How to choose??
Mexican is not way up there on my list, unfortunately, but my family loves it. This looks like a super refried beans recipe AND easy!
Mexican is my all-time favorite. Can you believe I have never made my own refried beans...I hang my head in shame. Yours look amazing.
I need to follow your lead and make refried beans. I love them but, have never attempted to make them. Yours looks really good. I am feeling inspired.
Have a great weekend.
Velva
tasty salad, I need to learn more mexican food
I think if I had one "cuisine" I had to eat every day from now on I'd chose Mexican. I love the enchiladas you made out of the beans, sounds wonderful!
Ever notice that one can NOT make refried beans photograph well? ha ha
But for something so unattractive, they sure taste awesome!! I bet you will never be able to enjoy them from a can ever again once you have made them fresh.
Did I mention I love these beans?
mmm yeah I definitely couldn't name a favorite, but MExican is up there! Can't go wrong with chips, salsa, and margaritas :)
How funny! Today I asked my daughter what food she could eat every single day and never get tired of and she said Mexican. :)
I love your homemade refried bean recipe. I am so making this soon!!
I don't think I'd be able to name my favorite food! I've never made my own refried beans, but it's definitely something I need to try.
You made your own refried beans?! How cool is that?! You know my love for mexican food, so I'll definitely be making your beans soon! SO GOOD!
Have a great weekend!
Refried beans is new to me but your dish looks delicious...mmm. I must try one day. Thanks very much for sharing, Hope you have a wonderful day. MaryMoh at http://www.keeplearningkeepsmiling.com
I just got the America's Test Kitchen book from the library - I am loving it!
Try the tomato soup - its thickened with bread and is delicious!
Have a great weekend Teresa!
It does look good, but i really hate beans unless green, but since i'm not the only one who lives and eats here, maybe i should give it a try, your entree does look good....
I have yet to make refried beans, even though they have been on my to-do list for ages. Good to see how versatile they can be, as I was reluctant to make a potful and then not know what to do with it afterwards! Looks totally delish!!
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