We make refried beans at our house all the time (and I have two authentic Mexicans living here
). Here's what we do:
Heat several tablespoons of corn oil in a pan (or olive oil, if it's me making the beans, rather than Vespera or Niteo
). Add a few slices of onion & saute the onion until well browned. Then remove the onion, allow the oil to cool a little, and add the beans. Mash the beans with a potato masher and add water until you reach your desired consistency. Salt to taste.
I tried making them without cooking an onion in the pan first, and they weren't nearly as good. Don't skip that step!