Homemade Refried Beans from Christi Kelsey

3 c. pinto beans
1 T. dehydrated onions
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
salt to taste
oil

Sort pinto beans to check for rocks. Place dry beans in bottom of large crock pot. Fill crock pot with water; add onions and garlic. DO NOT ADD SALT YET! Cook beans on high for approximately 9-10 hours. The beans will be completely pink and soft. Add salt. Allow salt to soak in for about 10-15 minutes. Heat oil in large saucepan on medium heat. Strain beans in colander, reserving liquid. Add beans and some liquid to hot oil. Use a potato masher to smash beans and liquid into oil. If beans are too dry, add more liquid. The consistency should be smooth.
If you don't want to refry all the beans in one day, you can freeze the beans (with juice). When you are ready to refry them, defrost them, heat oil and repeat the process.