Duck Fat Refried Beans with Monterey Jack
Luxurious take on traditional refried beans using rendered duck fat instead of lard for deeper, richer flavor. Dried pinto beans are simmered with aromatics, then fried in duck fat and finished with beer and melted cheese. The duck fat creates an incredibly creamy texture while adding savory depth that this side dish beyond ordinary refried beans. Perfect for special dinners, barbecues, or when you want to impress guests with restaurant-quality results.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- water
- 1 medium sweet onion
- 3 serrano peppers
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 3 sprigs fresh epazote or oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
- 1 cup duck fatlard1:1dietary
rich flavor but less luxurious
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 3 teaspoons salt
- ½ cup light Mexican beerchicken broth1:1alcohol-free
less complex flavor
- 1 cup Monterey jack or Oaxacan cheese, shredded
Instructions
- 1
Soak beans overnight in water
- 2
Strain beans and discard soaking liquid
- 3
Place beans in large pot and cover with fresh water
- 4
Add whole onion, serrano peppers, garlic cloves, and epazote or oregano
- 5
Bring to boil, then reduce to hard simmer and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking
- 6
Remove serranos, garlic cloves, and large onion pieces that haven't broken down
- 7
Transfer beans to mixing bowl or additional pot if needed
- 8
Melt duck fat in original pot over high heat
- 9
Blend the cooked onion, garlic, serranos, oregano, and cumin until smooth
- 10
Add blended mixture to hot duck fat and fry for 2-3 minutes
- 11
Return beans to pot and cook for 10-12 minutes
- 12
Add beer and cook additional 10-12 minutes until beans look liquid but molten
- 13
Transfer beans to large baking or casserole dish
- 14
Turn on broiler and top beans with shredded cheese
- 15
Broil until cheese melts and serve
Tips
Save some bean cooking liquid before straining in case you need to thin the consistency later.
Duck fat can be found at specialty stores or online, but bacon fat or lard work as substitutes.
Let beans rest 5 minutes after broiling so cheese sets slightly before serving.
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 4 days in covered container. Reheat gently with splash of broth if needed.
Can cook beans through step 11 up to 2 days ahead. Add cheese and broil when ready to serve.
Serve immediately while cheese is melted and beans are hot. Pairs well with grilled meats and Mexican dishes.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip soaking beans overnight or they won't cook evenly and will take much longer to soften.
Keep duck fat hot but not smoking when adding blended mixture to avoid burning garlic.
Watch broiler closely as cheese can go from melted to burnt very quickly.
Substitutions
smoky flavor variation
FAQ
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, use 3 cans drained pinto beans. Skip soaking and cooking steps, start directly with frying in duck fat. Cooking time reduces to about 30 minutes total.
What if I can't find epazote?
Fresh oregano works perfectly as called for in the recipe. Dried oregano can substitute using 1 teaspoon instead of 1 tablespoon fresh.
How long do leftovers keep?
Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop with splash of broth or water to restore creamy consistency.