REFRIED BEANS

(Frijoles Refritos)

1 pound dried pinto or pink beans, cleaned

5 cups water

1 or 2 medium onions, diced

1/2 to 1 cup hot bacon drippings, or lard

salt to taste.

Combine beans in a pan with water and onions. 
Bring to a boil, cover, and remove from heat for 2 hours 
(or soak beans in cold water overnight) 
If you soak them overnight, use the water that you soaked them in as part of the 5 cups of water or you will lose all your flavor.

Return to heat, bring to a boil, and simmer slowly until beans are very tender, about 3 hours. 
Mash beans with a potato masher, and add bacon drippings. 
Mix well. 
Continue to cook stirring until beans are thickened and fat is absorbed. 
Salt to taste. 
Serve or reheat.

Makes 6 to 8 side—dish servings.