Bisabuelita's Crock Pot Refried Beans Vegetarian

This is the modern, vegetarian version of my great-grandma's refried beans' recipe. Real butter replaces bacon fat (manteca). I hope you enjoy these beans!!

Steps

Soak beans at least 4 hours or up to 12 hours in plenty of water.

Add to the beans one of the garlic cloves , finely minced , 2 tablespoons of the onion , bay leaf and a dash of black pepper.

Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours then cook on low for approximately 5-6 additional hours.

Or cook on low all day for about 9-10 hours.

Once cooking time has commenced , check to see if beans are soft.

Do not drain !.

Heat a cast iron skillet on medium heat and saute the onion , other garlic clove , cumin powder , and oregano in a little bit of oil.

With a slotted spoon , transfer the cooked beans to the skillet and begin by mashing using a potato masher.

Add some reserved cooking liquid to help mash.

Mashing to desired consistency.

Once the beans are mashed to your liking , stir in the liquid smoke and butter , and about 1 teaspoon salt.

Cook , stirring constantly until butter is melted.

Taste and adjust all seasonings.

You will probably need more salt.

Serve and garnish each s.

Ingredients

pink beans, garlic cloves, onion, onions, bay leaf, black pepper, cumin powder, mexican oregano, liquid smoke, real butter, salt, oil, scallion, sharp white cheddar cheese