refried beans are usually cooked pinto or black beans that are then mashed as they are recooked in a shallow pan using cooking oil or grease.   You can add chopped onion or chili peppers as you "refry" the beans.

Refried beans are rolled in flour tortillas to make burritos, or served warm with cheese topping. You can use as a dip - like hummus... very versatile. rice was brought to the area & it is fine to use with hot spicy dishes.

rice needs a moist growing region, so it is most commonly found in the southeast US. Gumbo should be served with rice.