Hand Mashed Pinto Beans With Cheese Recipes

HAND-MASHED PINTO BEANS WITH CHEESE

Steps:

• Place beans in heavy large pot. Add 10 cups water, green onions, and 1 tablespoon lard. Bring to boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer until beans are just tender, about 55 minutes. Mix in 1 teaspoon fine sea salt. Cover partially and continue to simmer until beans are very soft, adding more water by cupfuls if water level falls below top of beans, about 20 minutes longer.
• Heat remaining 1/3 cup lard in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add white onion and sauté until beginning to brown, about 8 minutes. Add garlic; stir 1 minute. Using slotted spoon, transfer beans to skillet. Mash with potato masher to coarse, lumpy puree. Mix in enough bean cooking liquid (about 1/2 cup) to moisten. Mix in cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool 30 minutes. Cover beans and liquid separately and refrigerate. Rewarm beans over low heat, mixing in bean cooking liquid by 1/4 cupfuls if dry.)
• Serve beans warm with tortillas.
• *Light yellow, semi-soft mild cheese that is different from the aged Spanish cheese of the same name. Substitute mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Muenster.

SMASHED PINTO BEANS

Steps:

• saute chopped onion in hot olive oil in a pan over medium high heat for 5 minutes, or until onion is tender.
• Add minced garlic, and saute for 1 minute.
• Stir in tomato sauce and remaining ingredients.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 8 minutes.
• Mash bean mixture with a potato mashed until thickened, leaving some of the beans whole.

PINTO BEANS WITH TORTILLA-CHEESE CRUST

Steps:

• Puree 1 can beans in processor. Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers; sauté until soft, about 10 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add chili powder and cumin; stir 1 minute. Mix in tomatoes, 1/2 cup juices, broth, pepper sauce, whole beans and pureed beans. Simmer mixture 5 minutes, stirring often. Add 6 tablespoons cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. Pour into 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Chill.)
• Preheat oven to 400°F. Sprinkle crushed chips over beans. Bake until heated through, about 30 minutes. Top with cheese; bake until melted, about 5 minutes. Top with 2 tablespoons cilantro.