Tied-Up Beans (Frijoles Maneados)

1 ancho chile (optional)
Water (optional)
2 cups Beans from the Pot or other cooked whole
    pinto beans, plus 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid
1/3 cup milk
1/2 onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and ground
4 to 6 ounces asadero or mozzarella cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Soak the chile in enough hot water to cover it, if you wish to have a more spicy version of the dish. When the chile is pliable, cut it into thin slices.

In a food processor, pur?e the beans and their liquid with the milk. In a baking dish, warm the fat over medium heat. Stir in the onion, garlic, cumin and ancho slices and warm through. Remove the dish from the stove and stir in the beans. Transfer the beans to the oven and bake them for 1 hour, or until they appear very thick and begin to dry out.

Stir in the cheese and return the beans to the oven, baking just until the cheese has melted through, about 5 minutes.