Refried Beans (Better Than Store-Bought)

Ingredients (17)

• Cook Dried Beans:
• 1/2 pound dried pinto beans or black beans (about 1 cup)
• Water
• 1/2 medium onion, peeled and left whole
• 2 medium cloves garlic
• 4 sprigs fresh cilantro
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• Make Refried Beans:
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, butter, lard or bacon drippings
• 1/2 cup chopped onion (1/2 medium onion)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (1 medium clove)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• 3 cups (470 grams) cooked pinto or black beans, warmed, see notes for canned
• 2 to 3 lime wedges
• Optional toppings: sliced or diced jalapeño, crumbled Mexican queso fresco or shredded cheese, diced white onion, diced tomato, or fresh cilantro