Easy Refried Beans (Frijoles Refritos)
This homemade refried beans recipe is the perfect addition to burritos, chimichangas, tostadas, and as a side for Latin inspired meals.
It will be perfect to serve for Cinco De Mayo or other events as a party dip, along with Guacamole, Vegan Olive Dip, Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce, Vegan Cheeseburger Dip, salsa, and chips.
Easy Refried Beans (Frijoles Refritos)
Cinco De Mayo is approaching, and this quick and easy dip will surely be a huge hit. Learn how to make Refried Beans (Frijoles Refritos) that taste just like traditional Mexican refried beans using only 7 ingredients.
Are Refried Beans Healthy?
Refried beans nutrition is downright amazing, and making refried beans from scratch only helps it even more. So what makes refried pinto beans so amazing for you?
Loads of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals that you need, and it is *naturally* low fat.
In fact, pinto beans contain substantial amounts of over 15 necessary vitamins and minerals, including but not limited to calcium, folate, manganese, potassium, and iron.
Read here about how healthy pinto beans are. In conclusion, vegetarian refried beans will be a great addition to your diet that your body will thank you for.
What Ingredients Are In Refried Beans?
- Olive Oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Red Bell Pepper
- Cumin
- Pinto Beans
- Salt
- Jalapeno
How To Make Refried Beans?
Cooked and drained beans are mashed up, and then baked or fried with onion, garlic, and other spices, additional liquid if necessary. Traditionally this is when lard, bacon fat, or butter is added, but I use olive oil instead.
I also chose to do this recipe in a slightly different order, by sautéing my vegetables and spices. Then add them to the beans, therefore allowing the beans to soak in the flavor, then mashing.
What Kind of Beans Are In Refried Beans?
Traditionally, in the northern parts of Mexico and in Tex-Mex cuisine, which we are accustomed to, people use pinto beans.
I used these in this recipe, but in other parts of Mexico and Latin America, people use black beans, kidney beans, and other options.
As such, if you happen to not have pinto beans on hand or don’t prefer them, this recipe will taste just fine. In the US, the most common substitution is refried black beans.
- If you choose to use canned beans, use 2 (15 ounces) cans, and drain only one.
- You can also use 3 cups of cooked beans.
More Amazing Bean Recipes:
- Black Bean Burrito
- Chickpea Stew
- White Bean Soup
- Vegan Jamaican Stew Peas
- Jamaican Rice And Peas
- Southern Black-Eyed Peas
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Easy Refried Beans (Frijoles Refritos)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper deseeded and chopped, or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 cups cooked pinto beans or 2 (15-ounce) cans
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Garnishes
- Vegan sour cream
- vegan shredded cheese
- Chopped Tomatoes
- chopped cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and jalapeno pepper, bell peppers, and cumin, and cook for a minute.
- Add the pinto beans along with the liquid from one can add salt to taste, and stir. Cook beans for about 2 minutes. Using a potato mash, mash beans to form a chunky paste or process in food processor.