Today we take on another popular question about Mexican food: Why are refried beans called like that? Keep reading and learn more about this versatile and delicious dish.
Why Are Refried Beans Called Like that?
The name “refried beans” can cause some understandable confusion. In English, we use the prefix “re” to talk about things that happen two times: “reuse,” “recycle,” and “recreate” are some examples that come to mind. Does this mean that refried beans are fried twice? Not really.
As you may have noticed already, languages can be funny and words often have more than one sense. Now, “refried beans” is a literal translation of the Spanish term “frijoles refritos.” It just so happens that in this case, “refritos” doesn’t mean “fried twice” but only “well fried,” as the Dictionary of Mexican Spanish can attest.
So now you know. When you order refried beans, you are not getting beans that have been fried twice, just beans that have been fried once to delight your taste buds.
Refried Beans and Mexican Cuisine
Refried beans, and beans in general, play a fundamental role in Mexican cuisine. In almost any Mexican household, beans can be served three times a day without anyone batting an eye.
Every region of Mexico puts its own twist on refried beans. In most places, families go through the entire “bean cycle”: first, they eat their beans “caldosos” in what can be described as a bean soup. Those beans are fried until the liquid evaporates and then mashed to produce the paste-like consistency that makes refried beans so versatile.
More Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Food
We love all the curious facts that surround authentic Mexican food. If you are hungry for more stories, then check out these previous posts:
- Why Are chili peppers so important in Mexican cuisine
- Who invented guacamole?
- Are chilaquiles supposed to be crunchy?
- We answer four common questions about nachos
- Are burritos tacos?
Enjoy Authentic Mexican Food at El Pollo Norteño
If what you want is Authentic Mexican food in Anaheim, California, El Pollo Norteño is the place to go.
Visit today any of our four locations (Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove), order online, get in touch through Facebook, or call 866-MI-POLLO to enjoy our authentic Mexican dishes: amazing chicken grilled to perfection over real Mesquite charcoal, caldo de pollo, flan, carnitas, carne asada, and more!