Frijoles Refritos (from The Brown Adobe Sampler)

Makes 6-8 servings as a side

Ingredients

• 1 lb. dried pinto beans, soaked overnight
• 5. cups water
• 2 tsp. salt
• 6 slices bacon, crisp and finely diced
• 1 Tbl. bacon drippings
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large clove of garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Rinse and pick over beans for any stones then cover with 2 inches of water to soak overnight.
2. Rinse beans from soaking water. Then place all ingredients in covered dutch oven and stir well. 
3. Place dutch oven over medium heat and bring to a boil. Then turn down heat, allowing the beans to simmer 4-6 hours, covered for the first 2 hours, stirring occasionally and adding boiling water if the beans become to thick too quickly. (At the end, they should have the consistency of a thick soup, not like oatmeal.)
4. Mash the cooked bean mixture with potato masher.
5. Serve plain or topped with crumbly Queso Fresco or Cotija cheese.