Imagine diving into a creamy, flavorful side dish that's not just delicious, but also completely plant-based and gluten-free! These homemade refried beans are about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen, promising restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Whether you're a vegan foodie, a Mexican cuisine enthusiast, or simply someone who loves mouth-watering, nutritious recipes, this dish will revolutionize your meal prep and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pinto beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the cooked pinto beans and set aside, reserving some of the cooking liquid.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the cooked pinto beans to the skillet and sprinkle cumin over them. Stir to combine and distribute the spice evenly.
- Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, begin mashing the beans in the skillet. For a smoother consistency, use a fork or immersion blender.
- Gradually add reserved bean cooking liquid to help achieve desired creamy texture. Continue mashing and stirring.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Cook the beans for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they reach a thick, creamy consistency.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. The beans will continue to thicken slightly as they cool.
- Serve hot as a side dish, dip, or filling for tacos and burritos.
Tips
- Use freshly cooked beans for the best texture and flavor - canned beans work, but homemade gives superior results.
- Don't rush the mashing process; take your time to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Reserve bean cooking liquid to help control the moisture and create a smooth texture.
- Use a potato masher for a rustic texture or an immersion blender for ultra-smooth refried beans.
- Adjust seasoning gradually and taste as you go to ensure perfect flavor balance.
- Let the beans rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow them to thicken naturally.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of vegetable broth or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
