What is a refried bean? Why do they have to fry it twice?

Answer 1

lol Re in Spanish means well. So, that gives you well fried beans.

Answer 2

Hi !!!
Here you go...

Ingredients and preparation:
Refried beans are prepared with either black or pinto beans. Once the beans have been prepared charola style (i.e. the raw beans are soaked overnight and then stewed) they are drained of most of the remaining liquid, converted into a paste with a bean masher (same as a potato masher, or in its absence, a fork or the back of a large flat spoon) and fried with lard or vegetable oil, typically in a cast iron pot or skillet. Often, onion, garlic, and spices are sautéed in the oil before the beans are added. The cooked beans are then partially or completely mashed and bean or chicken/vegetable stock is added if the consistency is too dry.

They may also be served as a side dish accompanying a larger meal, or rolled in a tortilla to form a bean burrito.

In the US, refried beans have become a very popular dip for corn tortilla chips, while this usage has never really caught on in its native Mexico. Refried beans are also a primary ingredient in many tostadas, chimichangas, and pupusas recipes. In addition, they are a typical ingredient in layered dips, such as seven layer dip, in nachos, and are especially implied when a dish is referred to as nachos grande.

A typical dish, similar to enchiladas is enfrijoladas wherein slightly fried tortillas are slathered in the bean paste from frijoles refritos.

The English term "refried", often interpreted as "fried again", is a mistranslation of the Spanish prefix re- as a shortening of the word "refrito", meaning "over". In fact, the beans are fried only once and the term refrito is actually a reference to overfrying the bean paste so that it dries out to retain a shape for serving purposes:

----------HERE IS A RECIPE FOR YOU TO TRY...

Refried Beans

Ingredients:
1 slice bacon, diced or bacon grease
16 oz can pinto beans
2 cloves of garlic, crushed or diced
dash ground cumin
dash oregano
dash pepper
1 cup Colby Jack or cheddar cheese, grated
2 diced roasted chili peppers, optional

Directions:
If using bacon add to frying pan with garlic and spices. Fry until bacon is brown, remove bacon if you like. Otherwise, put enough bacon grease in pan to coat bottom. Lightly fry spices and garlic until garlic is browned. Meanwhile mash beans, add grated cheese and chilies; stir. After browning add bean mixture. Fry/cook until bubbly and hot.
Serve covered with grated Colby or cheddar cheese.

Answer 3

The previous answers are correct. However, I just wanted to add that if you buy the refried beans in the store (they come in a can) make sure you buy the vegetarian. I know it sounds weird but the regular ones are made with lard that is why they are not vegetarian. No kidding, look at the label.

Answer 4

A refried bean is a twice-cooked legume, designed to more easily clog the arteries of man, all the while going great with guacamole and tortillas!

Answer 5

Refried beans are beans that are kettle-cooked then mushed up and reheated. They really aren't fried at all and they sure aren't fried twice....