Crock Pot Fat Free Refried Beans for the Freezer - OAMC

It's nice to have some refried beans you can pull out of the freezer for a side with your Mexican meals without opening a can with all the extra fat. One side serving is 1/2 cup, which also makes about 4 tacos or burritos These are a great side dish, may also be used for burritos, and can be served as a main dish with plenty of shredded cheddar and salsa on top. Take the time and make these ahead. You won't be sorry!

• Ready In: 10 hrs 15 mins
• Yields: 2 quarts

Ingredients

• 1  lb  dried beans, soaked overnight
• 4  cups water
• 1  cup brewed coffee
• 3  minced garlic cloves, don't substitute powdered (optional)
• 1  onions, diced or 1  bunch fresh parsley or 1  bunch fresh cilantro or 1  cup celery & leaves, chopped with stems
• 1  tablespoon ground cumin
• 2  teaspoons chili powder
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons oregano
• 1  teaspoon salt, to taste

Directions

1. Drain soaked beans and place in a crock pot along with remaining ingredients except salt. Make sure that the beans are covered with liquid by about 1".
2. Stir well, cover and cook on low all day, about 8-10 hours, until tender. Keep an eye on them and make sure they don't get dry.
3. Add salt.
4. Use a potato masher or heat safe (canning) jar bottom to mash well and stir with a wooden spoon.
5. Continue to mash and stir until desired consistency.
6. To freeze, put in a freezer Ziploc and flatten into a layer to freeze, or no more than 2" deep in freezer containers.