As a reformed Texan and a fan who refuses to acknowledge the 2006 NBA Champion from being from the state of Florida, I have a soft spot for the Mavs. In light of that, tonight's pre-game recipe is a simple one from way down on the border that every gentleman cook should have in his back pocket: frijoles refritos. Seriously, screw the canned nonsense. It's garbage.
Here's what you'll need:
- 1/4 cup lard Do not use the silly boxed lard or butter. You need rendered pig fat to make good refried beans. If you do not have any lard, simply trim some fat of a cut o'swine or fry up some bacon and use the grease.
- 1 can of pinto beans, drained with liquid reserved
- s&p to taste
Here's how you make it:
Melt the lard in a large skillet over medium heat. When the fat is glistening, add the beans and mash them with a potato masher. Season to taste and add the bean broth and continue to mash until you reach your desired consistency. Serve as a side dish. I like mine with an egg, some diced onion, and a few sprigs of cilantro. If you want to get fancy, get a can of tomatillos, blend it up with some hot green chiles and some chicken broth, heat over medium heat and then drizzle over the beans and a slice of grilled polenta. You can also drizzle some cilantro and some Crema Mexicana over the top. Enjoy.
Our blogging buddies for the night can be found over at Mavs Moneyball. Be excellent to one another.