Teresa's Recipes
Homemade Refried Beans
These creamy and flavorful homemade refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine, providing a hearty side dish that perfectly complements any meal. With their rich texture and zesty flavor, they can also serve as a delicious filling for burritos, tacos, or enchiladas. Refried beans have a long history, originally made by frying leftover cooked beans, and they've become a beloved comfort food in many households.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried pinto beans
- 4 cups (for cooking beans) Water
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 medium, chopped Onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup, chopped Cilantro
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Side Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 36g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water to remove any debris.
- In a large pot, combine the rinsed beans and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender. If needed, add more water during cooking to keep the beans submerged.
- While the beans are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Once the beans are tender, drain them, reserving a bit of the cooking liquid. Add the cooked beans to the pan with the sautéed onion and garlic. Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash the beans to your desired consistency, adding reserved cooking liquid if you prefer a creamier texture.
- Stir in the ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the flavors meld together.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot as a side dish, or use as a filling for burritos, tacos, or enchiladas.
Tips
- For a smoky flavor, consider adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce while mashing the beans.
- You can substitute black beans for pinto beans for a different taste and nutritional profile.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.