The name of refried beans is a translation from the Spanish name for the dish, frijoles refritos. Since the beans are not actually fried twice, English speakers wonder why they are called refried beans. Well, the name better translates to “well-fried beans.” However, the prefix re- is used differently in the Spanish word refrito than we use it in English.
Quick Answer: Why are They Called Refried Beans? In English, the prefix re- most often means “again” or “anew” as in the words redo, rewrite, or rebuild. In Spanish, however, the prefix re- is an emphasizer or reinforcer meaning over, thoroughly, completely, or very well. So, frijoles refritos, or “refried beans” means beans that are cooked very thoroughly. The name “twice-fried” beans is sometimes used. This is simply an alternative name based on this mistaken translation.
It is true that many people assume that refried beans are twice-fried beans: Beans that are fried, and then fried again. This is understandably confusing. Why would you need to fry anything twice, let alone beans? Well, when you make the dish, you don’t fry the beans twice. You fry them once. So, how did they get their name?
The name is not as confusing as it seems. It makes perfect sense in Spanish. The reason we English speakers are confused is that we are used to the prefix re- meaning “again.” So, when we hear refried, we translate it to “fried again” or “fried twice.”
The Meaning of “Refried”
In Spanish, the prefix re- can have the same meaning, such as in reanudar (to renew), reaparacer (reappear), and rehacer (remake). It can also denote a sense of place, meaning back or behind. It even sometimes has to do with time.
But, most often, the prefix re- in Spanish is an emphasizer or reinforcer. It can mean over, thoroughly, completely, or just “very well.”
Recalanter means to overheat. Remoler means to grind up very small or thoroughly. Now that you’re catching on, you know that moler must mean “to grind up.” Sound familiar? I once thought moler must be the origin of the name of Mexico’s national dish, the mole. Turns out I was wrong.
Requemar means very hot. And, the word rebién, bién combined with re- means “very well.” 1Penny, Ralph. A History of the Spanish Language. Cambridge Univ. Press, 2009
Therefore, frijoles refritos means “well-fried beans.” It is fair to say that although they are not fried twice, they are cooked twice. To make refried beans, you soak beans for around 8 hours and cook them in water, usually with onion, until soft. This is the first cooking. Then they are mashed and fried with lard until almost dry.
Since it is quite possible that leftover beans would be used to make frijoles refritos, we could imagine that the re- is used to mean “repurposed” or that it even means “recooked,” but understanding how the prefix is normally used provides a more accurate translation.
By the way, the pink pinto, which I mentioned above, is the bean most often used to make refried beans in Mexican restaurants in the U.S. This is the bean preferred in the Northern part of Mexico.
The black bean is preferred in the Southern part of Mexico. I go through a huge quantity of black beans at home and they make a great frijoles refrito. 2“What Are ‘Refried Beans’?” Snopes.com, 11 Apr. 2017, www.snopes.com/food/prepare/refriedbeans.asp
Yes, You Can Make Refried Beans from Canned Beans
A persistent myth perpetuated by food bloggers who lack background knowledge in cooking is that you should never attempt to make refried beans from canned beans. This is not only incorrect, it is also quite silly.
The idea that you would go to the trouble of starting from dried beans and all the time that takes, only to make them into refried beans, is silly. As mentioned, refried beans are more likely to be made from leftover beans, not beans cooked specifically for the purpose. There is no reason to think you can’t make great refried beans from canned beans. 3Penny, Ralph. A History of the Spanish Language. Cambridge Univ. Press, 2009.,4“What Are ‘Refried Beans’?” Snopes.com, 11 Apr. 2017, www.snopes.com/food/prepare/refriedbeans.asp
The Authentic Mexican Mole: More Than Just Chocolate
Key Points Summary for “Why Are They Called Refried Beans”
- Refried Beans Confusing Name
- Contrary to popular belief, they are not fried twice. I.E. they are not beans that are fried, and then fried again.
- The Meaning of “Refried”
- Most often, the prefix re- in Spanish is an emphasizer or reinforcer. It can mean over, thoroughly, completely, or just very well. Thus, “frijoles refritos” translates more accurately to “well-fried beans.” It simply means beans that are cooked very thoroughly.
- Although refried beans are not fried twice, it’s fair to say they are cooked twice.
- Basic process to Make Refried Beans:
- Soak the beans for around 8 hours.
- Cook beans in water until soft.
- Mash and fry with lard until almost dry.
- Types of Beans Used:
- Pink pinto beans are preferred in Northern Mexico.
- Black beans are preferred in Southern Mexico.
- Using Canned Beans
- You can make refried beans from canned beans. It is a myth that you cannot. It is not necessary to start from dried beans.
