Description
Homemade Refried Beans offer a creamy, flavorful, and authentic Mexican side dish that’s easy to make with simple pantry staples. Perfect for tacos, dips, or as a hearty protein option, this recipe yields smooth, velvety beans infused with traditional spices and customizable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked pinto beans (drained and rinsed if canned)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and slightly browned. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Add the Beans and Spices: Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet. Sprinkle in cumin and salt, stirring well to blend the flavors. Cook for a few minutes to allow the spices to infuse the beans.
- Mash the Beans: Use a potato masher or fork to mash the beans directly in the pan to your desired consistency. Gradually add water or broth while mashing to loosen the mixture and achieve a creamy texture.
- Simmer and Adjust: Let the beans simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or spices if needed. Remove from heat and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh cooked beans instead of canned for the best flavor.
- Add water or broth gradually to maintain creamy texture without becoming soupy.
- Mash beans to your preferred texture, either chunky or smooth.
- Adjust salt and spices after mashing to fine-tune the flavor.
- Simmer gently on low heat to develop deep flavor without burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Refried Beans, Pinto Beans, Mexican Side Dish, Vegetarian, Vegan Option, Gluten-Free, Easy Recipe