Irresistible Homemade Refried Beans Recipe You’ll Love

The aroma of homemade refried beans wafts through the kitchen, wrapping around you like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: creamy, velvety beans, perfectly seasoned, waiting to be scooped up with crispy tortilla chips or slathered on a fresh taco. Sounds heavenly, right?

Now, let me take you on a journey back to my childhood when my abuela would make her famous refried beans. The kitchen was always alive with laughter and the sizzle of ingredients coming together. Every bite was not just food; it was love served on a plate. Trust me, once you try these homemade refried beans, you’ll be dreaming about them for days.

I remember serving these delicious refried beans at a family gathering and watching everyone go back for seconds (and thirds!). The smiles on their faces were priceless.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pinto Beans: Use dried pinto beans for the best flavor; soak them overnight for optimal cooking.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; chop it finely for even cooking.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the flavor; adjust according to your love for garlic.

• Cumin: This spice adds warmth and earthiness; freshly ground cumin works wonders.

• Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while adding depth to the flavor.

• Olive Oil: A couple of tablespoons help sauté your ingredients beautifully.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; add to taste for that perfect balance.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Beans: Rinse one cup of dried pinto beans under cold water until clear. Soak them overnight in plenty of water for better texture and quicker cooking.

Cook the Beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. In a pot, cover them with fresh water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until tender, about 1-1.5 hours.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about five minutes.

Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in three cloves of minced garlic along with one teaspoon of cumin. Cook until fragrant—about one minute—keeping an eye out so it doesn’t burn.

Mash the Beans**: Drain cooked beans (reserve some liquid) and add them to the skillet. Mash them gently with a fork or potato masher until creamy but still slightly chunky.

Finish with Broth**: Pour in half a cup of vegetable broth while stirring to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste—adjust as necessary!

Now that you’ve successfully created this masterpiece of homemade refried beans, it’s time to enjoy! Serve with warm tortillas or as part of your favorite Mexican dish.

These homemade refried beans are more than just a side dish; they’re comfort food that brings people together around the table! Don’t forget—the secret ingredient is always love (and maybe some extra cumin). Enjoy!

You Must Know

• Homemade refried beans are not only delicious; they are a fantastic base for many dishes
• The rich aroma and creamy texture elevate any meal
• Plus, you can customize them to suit your taste, ensuring they are never boring

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by soaking the beans overnight for optimal cooking time and flavor. Drain and rinse them before boiling with fresh water until tender. This method ensures even cooking for that perfect creamy texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin or chili powder for an extra kick. You can also mix in sautéed onions or jalapeños to personalize the flavor of your homemade refried beans.

Storing & Reheating

Store your homemade refried beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water to restore creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• To achieve creamy homemade refried beans, blend them thoroughly after cooking
• Avoid using canned beans as they lack that homemade essence
• Season gradually; it’s easier to add than to take away!

There’s nothing quite like the first time I made homemade refried beans from scratch; my family couldn’t stop raving about them at dinner.

FAQ

What type of beans should I use for homemade refried beans?

Pinto beans are traditional, but black beans work well too for a different flavor.

Can I freeze homemade refried beans?

Yes, freeze them in portions for easy access later; just defrost before using.

How can I make my refried beans spicier?

Add more jalapeños or cayenne pepper during cooking to boost the heat level significantly.

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Homemade Refried Beans

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Experience the heartwarming aroma of homemade refried beans, a delightful dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to your table. This creamy, velvety bean recipe is not just a side dish; it’s a versatile delight perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a dip with crispy tortilla chips. Easy to prepare and customizable, you’ll want to enjoy these refried beans time and again.

• Author: Ethan Carter
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup dried pinto beans
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Soak the Beans: Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water until clear. Soak overnight in plenty of water.
2. Cook the Beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. In a pot, cover them with fresh water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until tender, about 1-1.5 hours.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about five minutes).
4. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic and cumin; cook for one minute until fragrant.
5. Mash the Beans: Drain cooked beans (reserve some cooking liquid) and add them to the skillet. Mash gently with a fork or potato masher until creamy yet slightly chunky.
6. Finish with Broth: Pour in vegetable broth while stirring to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg