Homemade "Refried" Beans

The reason the word refried is in quotes is because I don't re-fry my beans, but they are so delicious without actually frying them.

"Refried"Beans

2 lbs dry pinto beans
1/3 cup salt
Water
1/2 block jack cheese (optional)

Rinse beans in a colander...remove any pebbles that may be mixed in...sounds weird, but I have found them before....Put in a large saucepan and cover with water. Soak the beans overnight.

Drain the water from the beans.....put them back into the pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, add salt and reduce to simmer.
Simmer the beans for at least three hours....adding water to keep the beans covered... about every 30 minutes. ( I usually boil for 4 hours)....smash the beans with a potato smasher until they are the consistency you prefer.  Add 1/2 block of jack cheese and salt to taste.  Sometimes I add more cheese....it completely depends on what you prefer....If your beans are too runny, just keep them on low and they will thicken up.

Sometimes I add 1 tbsp bacon grease into the beans while they are simmering....just to give the beans a little bit of bacon flavor......