Why are canned beans called refried beans instead of just fried beans?
There are a wide variety of canned beans. Kidney beans, pinto beans, chili beans, northern beans, baked beans, etc. Refried beans are just cooked, mashed and seasoned pinto beans, no different then the ones you get at a Mexican restaurant, usually called “frijoles”. They are still the same. I don’t believe there is any such thing as just “fried beans.” I think you may have been under the impression that all canned beans were called “refried.” I hope I have clarified this for you.
