Mom's Refried Beans (Crock Pot Recipe)

Why are these called refried beans anyway?  Maybe I should call them Mom's smooshed beans.  ::Shrug::  This ain't a restaurant - shut up an eat!

I loves me a crock pot. It's the ultimate lazy cooks' gadget.  My second favorite kitchen gadget is my stick blender, which we will use today because who wants to risk getting burned by putting hot beans in a food processor? I've made these beans with a manual potato masher before, but yea.  No.  Too much effort.

1 bag of pinto beans (or more if you're feeling really adventurous)
Water to cover the beans
Oregano
Cumin
Salt
Pepper
1/2 cup of water approximately (this is the fat-free this recipe needs some moisture part)

Place the beans in the crock pot and cover with water.  Turn the crock pot on high.  Walk away and go do something fun.  Or do some house chores, or take a nap.  This ain't a restaurant - no reason to hang out in the kitchen all day.

The beans cook and cook and cook for 7 - 8 hours until they're soft.  You didn't notice this because you were doing something fun.  Or you could have checked once or twice throughout the day to make sure you didn't have to add more water to the crock and that the beans were still covered.

Drain the beans into a colander.  Careful!!  Very hot!!  Rinse with running water because bean juice is slimy and weird.  I put my beans back into the crock pot for the next step,

So - the beans are in a pot.  Add salt, cumin ( a little goes a very long way), oregano, and water to the mix using whatever amount tastes good to you.  Remember you can always add more seasonings.

 Mash, mash, mash with your gadget until they've reached a desired consistency.  I like to see a little bean in there but puree is good too.

This recipe freezes well, which is why I make a lot!  Mixed with a little salsa and shredded cheese these beans also make a very good burrito filling.

***Note to self: Remember, you have fresh cilantro in the fridge.  Add it **

This recipe is vegetarian friendly and most likely gluten free.  There is probably gluten in the cumin unless you grind your own.  Seek an expert if you're unsure.