Informative — Refried Beans

What You Need to Know about Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, a holiday celebrated every 5^th of May in the United States, gives us a chance to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage, and gives an opportunity for some to indulge in margaritas. But have you ever wondered how it came about or what it is? What exactly is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo 101

Most non-Mexicans believe that Cinco de Mayo is the day Mexico won her independence.¹ But, Mexicans celebrate their independence day on September 16, gained 50 years before the Battle of Puebla.²
Cinco de Mayo remembers the Mexican victory against French on May 5, 1862. The French, led by Emperor Napoleon III, invaded Mexico at Veracruz in 186,1 with an intention of establishing dominance in Mexico to favor French interests.² Mexico also defaulted on war debts to European nations, and France determined to gather up their debt.¹
The French army moved from Veracruz toward Mexico City after beating the Mexican government into retreat.¹  President Benito of Mexico then mobilized 2,000 men to fight the 6,000 French troops just outside of the city of Puebla, where they overpowered the French troops into retreat.² The well-trained and well-armed French suffered defeat d after losing nearly 500 soldiers; yet fewer than 100 Mexicans died. This victory symbolized Mexican unity, determination, and victory.²

Cinco de Mayo in Mexico

Despite this day being well known in America, Cinco de Mayo is only a holiday in Puebla and Veracruz. But other parts of the country commemorate the Cinco de Mayo with military parades, reenactments of the battle of Puebla, and other festive events. ²

Cinco de Mayo in the US

In the United States, the celebrations of Mexican culture and heritage take place majorly in American cities with large Hispanic populations: Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston.² Other states, too, with non-Hispanic populations celebrate Cinco de Mayo.¹ It is marked with parades, music, and Mexican traditional foods like tacos and pinto beans.² Pinto beans are a staple of the Mexican diet, as a side dish, a filling for tacos, or by themselves. It's also an excuse to drink margaritas and indulge in delicious Mexican food. Come on: Let’s try these amazing Mexican recipes.

1. Pinto Beans Pizza

Mash our cooked pinto beans and spread on the pizza dough; then, you can add your favorite pizza fillings. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, just put the beans on without meat and add some veggies. If you wish to add some meat, add ground beef to your bean crumble.⁴

2. Pinto Bean Falafel

Mash our pinto beans together with crushed tortilla chips and cheese. Shape the bean mixture to form patties, and pass them through egg whites, and then shallow fry them in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Tuck them into with a guacamole spread, made from mashed avocado and topped with onions and greens.⁵

3. Refried Beans

Fry our pinto beans with garlic, cumin, and chili powder over medium heat. Mash the bean mixture for your desired texture. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and serve.⁶
Pinto beans are versatile and make delicious meals, and our refried bean mix (which uses pinto bean flake) makes our mouths water! Be sure to scoot over to our site to buy our instant dried pinto beans (refried bean mix), and try out these delicious recipes to celebrate Mexican culture during Cinco de Mayo!

 








References

1. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/cinco-de-mayo-2017-mexico-what-is-it-when-what-happens-how-to-celebrate-a7720331.html
2. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/cinco-de-mayo
3. http://randallbeans.com/2012/05/03/celebrate-cinco-de-mayo-with-mexican-bean-recipes/
4. http://vegan-in.com/taco-bell-style-mexican-pizza/
5. http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/falafel-with-avocado-spread
6. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/220642/quick-and-easy-refried-beans/