'Frijoles refritos' is one of the cornerstone recipes of Mexican cuisine. Translated to refried beans, this recipe is used as a side, a topping, or a filling. Given that this is a very easy and versatile recipe, I always have them ready in my fridge.
Rinse the beans in cold water. Place them in a container and cover them in cold water, keeping them in the fridge overnight. The next day, drain the water and boil them in fresh water until soft and cooked. This normally takes about 1 hour.
The final texture should be ‘a little overcooked’. Add salt when the beans are still hot, and smash using a potato masher.
Heat oil in a frying pan. Fry the green chilli and onion for approximately 3 minutes. Add the beans paste. Over medium heat fry the paste for 3 to 5 minutes stirring consistently. Then add the beans and cook until heated through.