Refried Anasazi Beans Recipe

How to Make Refried Anasazi Beans

1. Rinse 1 cup of dried Anasazi beans and place them in a pot. Add 3 cups of water.
2. Bring the beans to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the beans are very tender.
3. Drain the beans, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
4. In a large skillet, sauté 1/2 medium onion (chopped), 1/2 green bell pepper (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), and 2 slices bacon (chopped) over medium heat until softened and bacon is crispy. Approximately 5-7 minutes.
5. Transfer the cooked beans to the skillet with the sautéed mixture. Mash the beans using a potato masher or fork, gradually adding the reserved bean liquid until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add your favorite spices, like cumin or chili powder for extra flavor.
7. Serve immediately as a side dish or use as a filling for tacos, burritos, or other Southwestern dishes. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.