Ultimate Refried Beans

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3 cups Pinto Beans

Water to cover 2-3 inches

1 sm. Onions or 1-2 Tbsp. Onion Powder

1-2 cloves Garlic or 2-3 tsp. Garlic Powder

1 Tbps. Olive oil

1/4 tsp. Cumin

Pinch of Salt

Rinse the beans in water and remove any small stones, pieces of dirt, or bad beans.

Cook the beans in water.

1. Regular method:  Put beans into a pot and cover beans with at least 3 inches of water - about 3 quarts for 2 1/2 cups of dry beans. Bring to a boil and then lower heat to simmer, covered, for about 2 1/2 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on the batch of beans you have, but it will be a couple our hours. The beans are done when they are soft and the skin is just beginning to break open.
2. Pressure Cooker method:  Put beans into a 4 quart pressure cooker with a 15 lb weight. Fill up the pressure cooker with water, up to the line that indicates the capacity for the pot. (I usually do 1 quart of water per cup of beans. So 3 cups of beans will need 4 quarts of water) Cook for 45-60 minutes - until the beans are soft and the skins are barely breaking open. Allow the pressure cooker to cool completely before opening. If there is resistance when attempting to open the cooker, do not open it, allow it to cool further. Follow the directions for your brand of pressure cooker. 

Strain the beans from the cooking water. Save the liquid.

 Add the onions and garlic and olive oil to a wide frying pan on medium high heat. Cook until onions are translucent and garlic is golden brown.  

Add the strained beans with the sauteed onions and garlic, cumin, salt,  and about a 1-2 cups of bean water to a blender or food processor. Blend the mixture until it is either creamy or chunky, however you like it. You will probably have to stop the blender and scrape the sides with a spatula.