March 2008
“I like refried beans,” said the late comedian Mitch Hedberg, “that's why I want to try fried beans, because maybe they're just as good and we're wasting time.” He was onto something about this classic Mexican and Latin American dish. Traditionally, refried beans are black or pinto beans soaked overnight and cooked in water, mashed and fried with lard, onion, garlic, and spices — but they are fried only once. The English term refried beans is a mistranslation of the Spanish frijoles refritos, frijoles meaning beans and refritos meaning well–fried. Yet as refried beans have become popular throughout North America, the name refried has stuck to describe this delicious and versatile food. Many people have discovered and embraced healthy refried beans like EDEN that are not fried at all, skipping the lard but not the flavor.
Refrieds Made Right
Beans are one of the healthiest foods on the planet with their high fiber, high protein, important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Most Americans only get a third of the fiber we need a day, and beans are a tasty and easy way to close the gap. Beans were at the top of the list in this month's Prevention Magazine “6 Best Fat–Burning Foods.” To get the greatest health benefit it's important to choose great beans. EDEN Organic Refried Beans are made with USA family farm organically grown beans, soaked overnight and expertly cooked with a little EDEN Sea Salt. No added fat or preservatives, no astronomical sodium levels, and the only refried beans in bisphenol–A free cans. They were twice rated best in flavor and nutrition of all canned refrieds by Men's Health Magazine, and recently named Best Buy and number one for nutrition among 38 brands (salt added) by Nutrition Action Healthletter.
Spicy or Mild — You're the Boss
Each EDEN Organic Refried Bean is a delicious, creamy puree with perfect little chunks of whole bean. In six flavors: pintos, dark red kidneys, black turtle beans, and a combo of black soy beans and black turtle beans. Two have added spices and four are just lightly salted so you can add your own spice; turn up the heat as high as you wish or enjoy them mild as is. Each is an excellent source of dietary fiber, and all are low fat. Heat and serve as a side dish, add to burritos, tostadas, tacos, and nachos, make party bean dip or ‘seven layer dip,’ serve with salsa and chips. To heat, place a small amount of water and/or oil in a saucepan or skillet, add the beans, mix thoroughly, cover and simmer until creamy and hot. They're delicious with sautéed onions, bell peppers, hot peppers and sweet corn, and a perfect base for creamy soups.
