Description
This easy and versatile Refried Beans recipe offers a delicious, creamy, and plant-based side or main dish. Using wholesome ingredients and simple spices, these beans bring rich flavor and comfort to any meal, perfect for casual lunches or quick dinners. The recipe is beginner-friendly and adaptable to various taste preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Pinch of natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent and slightly golden. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Beans and Spices: Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet. Sprinkle in ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the beans with the spices and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through.
- Add Liquids and Mash: Pour in the vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Mash the beans directly in the pan using a potato masher or the back of a fork, to your preferred texture, whether chunky or smooth.
- Adjust Consistency and Finish: If the beans are too thick, gradually add more vegetable broth while stirring continuously. Sprinkle a pinch of natural gelling agent into the beans to enhance creaminess without heaviness. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use fresh ground spices to maximize flavor and aroma.
- Leave some beans slightly intact to maintain texture and avoid over-mashing.
- Simmer gently to deepen flavors and improve creaminess.
- Adjust consistency by adding vegetable broth gradually for the perfect texture.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: refried beans, plant-based beans, vegan refried beans, easy refried beans, pinto beans recipe, side dish, Mexican beans
