Refried beans

Very easy to make, this dish goes well with my 'special fries' recipe. Mash the beans completely (using a blender), for a really smooth texture or leave it chunkier, as you prefer.

Ingredients (serves 4-6)

- 2 cups pinto beans, soaked overnight

- 2 bay leaves

- 2 onions, minced

- 3 garlic cloves, smashed with the flat of the knife then minced

- 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne

- a handful fresh parsley, chopped

- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

- sea salt, to taste

Cover the beans with plenty of water, add the bay leaves and boil until tender. Drain the beans reserving about 1 cup of the cooking water. Heat the olive oil and sauté the onions with the garlic until golden, then add the beans and about 3 Tablespoons of their cooking water, season with salt and cayenne and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly and smashing some of the beans with a wooden spoon. Add more of the beans' cooking liquid if necessary. Taste and adjust seasonings. Garnish with the parsley and red pepper flakes and serve. Enjoy!