do you make your own refried beans?

we love refried beans. to me homemade beans are better than those from a can. but can they really be called refried if i never fry them?

here is the recipe i use when i make them:


i throw 2 cups of beans into the crock pot. cover them with water. i add 1/2 and onion {halved so i can scoop it out later} i eyeball salt, pepper and cumin. i add 2 tbs of minced garlic and sometimes fresh seeded and chopped jalapenos {if i have them on hand.}





i let the beans cook until soft, maybe 5 hours or so. then i strain them reserving some of the bean juice. i mash 'em up with a potato masher, or if i have the energy i'll use a hand mixer to whip them up. if necessary i will add some of the reserved bean juice.

these beans go so fast in our house. i love them on a tostada shell with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and salsa. hayden and layla like them on a tortilla with sour cream, cheese and guacamole. gary likes them on chips with cheese and jalapenos.

** 1/2 cup of pinto beans is 2 weight watcher points. delicious and filling.