Homemade “Refried” Beans and What To Do With Leftovers

Step 1

Put both kinds of beans in a bowl, cover with cold water and soak 8 hours or overnight. OR if you decide too late for this put the beans in a pot, cover with water and bring to a boil over high head. Turn off the heat and allow to soak in the hot water for one hour.

Step 2

Drain the beans from their soaking liquid.

Step 3

Place the beans, onion, garlic, salt, vegetable broth or vegetables, and kombu in a large pot filling the rest of the pot with enough water to cover the beans by 2 inches.

Step 4

Cook the beans over medium heat for a minimum of one hour. I cook them until they start to fall apart which is about 2 hours. I often have to add more water during cooking to keep the beans soupy enough until they are as tender as I like them.

Step 5

Remove the carrot and celery if using.

Step 6

You can either mash the beans at this point, or continue to cook them until they are truly falling apart.

Step 7

Add salt to taste.

Step 8

Serve hot.