Refried Beans Without the Refry

Refried beans made simple in a crock pot...a great and low fat alternative to canned beans. If you like variety, black beans can be substituted for part of the pinto beans. Note: Since reviewers commented on the salt, I've reduced the amount. If you think this may still be too much salt for you, add it at the end and to your personal taste. Enjoy!

• Ready In: 8 hrs
• Serves: 14

Ingredients

• 1  onion, peeled and halved
• 3  cups dry pinto beans, rinsed
• 1⁄2  fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2  tablespoons garlic, minced
• 3 -4  teaspoons salt, adjust to personal taste
• 1 3⁄4 teaspoons black pepper
• 1⁄8 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• 9  cups water

Directions

1. Place the onion, rinsed beans, jalapeno, garlic, salt pepper, and cumin into a slow cooker. Pour in the water and stir to combine. Cook on High for 8 hours, adding more water as needed. Note: if more than 1 cup of water has evaporated during cooking, then the temperature is too high.
2. Once the beans have cooked, strain them, and reserve the liquid. Mash the beans with a potato masher, adding the reserved water as needed to attain the desired consistency.