Description
This easy and creamy Refried Beans recipe delivers perfectly spiced, smooth-textured beans that add bold flavor and plant-based protein to any meal. Using basic pantry ingredients, it offers a comforting, versatile dish ideal as a side, dip, or filling, suitable for quick dinners and wholesome, satisfying eating.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pinto beans
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (natural)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Gently sauté the finely chopped yellow onion in extra-virgin olive oil (natural) over medium heat until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, allowing the flavors to infuse the oil.
- Add the Beans and Spices: Stir in the cooked pinto beans along with ground cumin (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Cook for a few minutes to let the beans absorb the spices and deepen their flavor.
- Mash and Season: Mash the beans with a potato masher or fork to your preferred creaminess, gradually stirring in apple cider vinegar (natural) and salt. This step creates the signature smooth texture and balanced flavor.
- Adjust Consistency with Natural Gelling Agent: Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent to thicken the mixture to your desired consistency. Stir continuously to ensure the beans are creamy and spreadable without excess liquid.
- Final Taste and Serve: Season with black pepper and adjust salt as needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Sauté onions and garlic gently to extract maximum sweetness without burning.
- Mash the beans while warm for a creamier finish.
- Adjust thickness by adding small amounts of water or vegetable broth if necessary.
- Season gradually with salt and spices to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: refried beans, creamy beans, plant-based protein, easy side dish, Mexican recipe, vegetarian, gluten free
