Spicy Refried Beans

Recipe Source: Matt Bray

Ingredients:

• 2 cans pinto beans 15 ounce cans (or one large 29 ounce can), beans rinsed
• 2 serrano peppers halved lengthwise and stemmed, seeds removed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth low-sodium
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican 4 cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a saucepan heat the oil over medium heat, then add the butter. Melt the butter, stirring to combine the oil and butter.
2. Place the serrano pepper halves into the saucepan and saute them in the oil/butter mix for 1 minute, stirring often to infuse the pepper oils into the butter and oil.
3. Add the pinto beans and low sodium chicken broth to the saucepan. Continue to cook, stirring the beans often and mashing them smooth in the process, for approximately 10 minutes.
4. Remove the serrano pepper halves from the beans, then add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the refried beans into a bowl and allow them to cool for 5 minutes. Top the beans with shredded cheese and serve.