Frijoles Refritos (Refried Beans)

Step 1

In a large pot, combine the beans, all but 1 tablespoons of the onion, and the bell pepper, garlic, and salt. Add enough water to cover by 2 ½ inches. Set over medium heat, bring to a low boil, then reduce to low heat to simmer. Cook until the beans are very soft, approximately 2 hours. Remove and discard the bell pepper. Drain the beans, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon until the fat is rendered, 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set aside for another use, leaving the fat in the skillet. Add the oil, the remaining tablespoon of onion, and the drained beans to the skillet. Cook, scraping up the browned bits, until the mixture begins to bubble, approximately 10 minutes. Ladle in the bean-cooking liquid, about ¼ cup at a time, while slowly stirring smashing the beans gently the back of a wooden spoon. Season with kosher salt, garnish with crispy bacon, grated cotija cheese, and minced cilantro, if using.