Slow Cooker Refried Beans

Total Time: 8 hrs. 15 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 8 hrs.
Yield: 12 servings, about ½ cup each

Ingredients:
1 lb. dry pinto beans (about 5 cups), rinsed, sorted
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt), divided use
1 tsp. ground black pepper
1 sprig fresh espazote (or fresh oregano)
¼ tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)
6 cups hot water, divided use
1 tsp. olive oil

Preparation:
1. Place beans, onion, garlic, ¾ tsp. salt, pepper, espazote, red pepper, and 4 cups water in a 3-quart slow cooker; cover. Cook on high for 6 to 8 hours, or until beans are soft. Add additional water, if necessary, so that beans do not become dry.
2. Remove and discard espazote sprig. Strain beans, reserving liquid.
3. Heat oil in large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add strained beans and ¼ cup of reserved liquid; cook, mashing with a potato masher, for 5 to 8 minutes, or until they form a rough purée. Add more water if necessary to keep the fried beans from getting too dried out.
5. Season with remaining ¼ tsp. salt; mix well.

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