What are refried beans made of?

Refried beans are typically made from cooked pinto beans or black beans that are mashed and then fried or sautéed in oil or lard. The beans are first boiled until tender, then mashed and cooked with ingredients like onions, garlic, and spices. The term "refried" comes from the Spanish "frijoles refritos," which actually means "well-fried" beans, not beans that are fried twice. They are a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, often served as a side dish or used in burritos and tacos.

How do I make refried beans from scratch at home?

To make refried beans at home, start by soaking 1 cup of dried pinto or black beans overnight. Drain and rinse them, then cook in fresh water for about 1-2 hours or until soft. Drain most of the cooking liquid, reserving some for mashing. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or lard, sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until soft, then add the cooked beans. Mash the beans gradually while cooking, adding reserved bean liquid to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like cumin or chili powder for extra flavor.

Are refried beans healthy to eat?

Refried beans can be a healthy addition to your diet when prepared with minimal added fats and salt. They are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and folate. However, store-bought versions or restaurant recipes often contain added lard, oils, or preservatives that increase calories and saturated fat. To keep them healthy, opt for homemade refried beans using olive oil or vegetable oil instead of lard, and control the amount of salt you add. Beans also support digestive health due to their high fiber content.

Can you freeze refried beans, and how long do they last?

Yes, refried beans freeze well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the beans cool completely, then transfer them into airtight, freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Portion them in servings that suit your needs to avoid thawing more than necessary. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally. Freezing may slightly change the texture, but the flavor typically remains intact.

What are some common ways to use refried beans in recipes?

Refried beans are versatile and can be used in many dishes beyond the traditional side. Common uses include spreading them on tostadas, filling burritos, layering in nachos, or using as a dip with tortilla chips. They can also be incorporated into casseroles, stuffed peppers, or breakfast bowls with eggs and avocado. Because of their creamy texture and rich flavor, they add a satisfying element to both vegetarian and meat-based meals. Experimenting with seasoning allows you to customize them for different dishes.

Refried Beans Recipe For Quick Flavorful Meals

Name: Refried Beans
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; ½ cup finely chopped yellow or white onion (about ½ small onion); ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt; 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ¼ teaspoon ground cumin; 2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained, or 3 cups cooked pinto beans; ½ cup water; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; 1 tablespoon lime juice (about ½ medium lime), to taste

Description

🌱 Enjoy a quick and nutritious refried beans recipe that is packed with plant-based protein and fiber.
🌶️ This flavorful and easy-to-make dish is perfect as a side, dip, or filling for your favorite Mexican meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

½ cup finely chopped yellow or white onion (about ½ small onion)

¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced

½ teaspoon chili powder

¼ teaspoon ground cumin

2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained, or 3 cups cooked pinto beans

½ cup water

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon lime juice (about ½ medium lime), to taste

Instructions

1-First, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Add the onions and salt, then cook while stirring occasionally until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes. This step builds a solid flavor base, just like in classic Mexican cooking.

2-Next, add the garlic, chili powder, and cumin, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, mix in the beans and water, stir everything together, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld without much effort.

3-Lower the heat and remove the lid, then mash about half to three-quarters of the beans to your desired consistency. Keep cooking uncovered, stirring often, for another 3 minutes to thicken it up. Finally, take it off the heat, stir in the cilantro and lime juice, and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a splash of water if it looks dry, then cover until you’re ready to serve.

Notes

🌰 Finely chop onions and cook them until tender to help achieve creamy beans.
🥄 Mash beans to your preferred consistency; using a food processor can create a smoother texture but avoid blenders.
🌶️ Add finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeños with the onions for extra flavor, removing seeds to reduce spiciness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Dip, Filling
Method: Sautéing, Mashing
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 150
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 12 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Refried Beans,Quick Beans,Mexican Side Dish,Easy Bean Recipe