This time, we’ll answer another common question about Mexican food: what does refried beans mean? Keep reading to find out more about this tasty and versatile dish.
Refried beans are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine. Their rich, earthy flavor and creamy texture make them an essential component of dishes like burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and more. However, the English name “refried beans” is actually misleading – this iconic ingredient goes by a different name in Mexico.
The History Behind the Name
In Spanish, refried beans are known as “frijoles refritos” This translates literally to “fried beans”, not “refried” So how did the “re” get added in English?
It’s believed that the term “refried” originated from a misunderstanding of the process When the beans are cooked, they are mashed and then fried lightly in oil or lard Since the beans are technically only fried once, not “re-fried”, the English name is inaccurate.
The incorrect “refried” label has stuck over time, but it’s important to remember that true frijoles refritos are not fried twice!
Regional Names Across Mexico
While frijoles refritos is the most common Spanish name, refried beans go by a few other regional names as well:
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Northern Mexico: Frijoles refritos
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Central Mexico: Frijoles volteados (meaning “tumbled” beans)
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Southeastern Mexico: Frijoles machacados (meaning “crushed” or “mashed” beans)
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Coastal Regions: Frijoles fritos (meaning “fried” beans)
So while the specific name varies, the concept of frying and mashing beans remains at the heart of these regional specialties.
Preparation Methods
The technique used to prepare refried beans gives rise to the name frijoles fritos or “fried beans”. Here is an overview of how they are made:
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Beans are soaked and cooked until very soft, either in a pot or pressure cooker
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Onions and garlic are fried in oil or lard to create an aromatic base
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The cooked beans are added to the pot and mashed into a thick paste
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Spices like cumin, chili powder, epazote etc. are added for flavor
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The beans are fried while being continuously mashed and stirred
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The result is a creamy yet textured bean puree flavored by frying
This unique frying and mashing process is what distinguishes refried beans from whole cooked beans. The light frying adds richness and depth of flavor.
Culinary Uses
In Mexico, refried beans are valued for being nutritious, filling, and versatile. Here are some of the main ways they are incorporated into Mexican cuisine:
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Served as a side dish with rice and tortillas
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Used as a filling for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, etc.
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Toppings for tostadas, nachos and chilaquiles
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Bases for dips like frijoles charros
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Added to soups and stews for texture
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Mixed into casseroles and baked dishes
No matter what you call them, refried beans are a staple that bring heartiness, protein, and bold Mexican flavor to both everyday meals and special occasions.
So while us English speakers may say “refried”, now you’ll know they go by frijoles refritos or frijoles fritos in Mexico!
Frequency of Entities:
Refried beans: 9
Frijoles refritos: 6
Mexico: 5
Fried: 4
Refried Beans and Mexican Cuisine
Refried beans, and beans in general, play a fundamental role in Mexican cuisine. In almost any Mexican household, beans can be served three times a day without anyone batting an eye.
Every region of Mexico puts its own twist on refried beans. Families usually eat all three stages of the “bean cycle.” First, they eat their beans “caldosos,” which is kind of like a bean soup. The beans are fried until the water is gone, and then they are mashed to make a paste-like texture that makes refried beans so useful.
Why Are Refried Beans Called Like that?
The name “refried beans” can cause some understandable confusion. The word “re” is used to talk about things that happen twice in English. Words like “reuse,” “recycle,” and “recreate” are examples. Does this mean that refried beans are fried twice? Not really.
As you may have noticed already, languages can be funny and words often have more than one sense. Now, “refried beans” is a literal translation of the Spanish term “frijoles refritos.” It just so happens that in this case, “refritos” doesn’t mean “fried twice” but only “well fried,” as the Dictionary of Mexican Spanish can attest.
So now you know. No, when you order refried beans, you don’t get beans that have been fried twice. You get beans that have only been fried once.
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FAQ
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