Healthier Refried Beans
Elevate your Mexican-inspired meals with this easy and flavorful recipe for Healthier Refried Beans! Made with creamy pinto beans, aromatic garlic, and a boost of smoky spices like cumin and chili powder, this wholesome dish ditches traditional lard for heart-healthy olive oil and a splash of vegetable broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, you'll love how these beans are mashed to perfection—whether chunky or ultra-smooth—creating a versatile dish that's perfect as a taco filling, side dish, or dip. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty finish, while optional cilantro garnish takes the presentation to the next level. Packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors, these refried beans are a guilt-free way to enjoy a Mexican classic without sacrificing taste or nutrition!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pinto beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 medium-sized onion
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 cup vegetable broth
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Add them to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
Stir in the ground cumin and chili powder, cooking for 1 minute to bring out their flavors.
Add the cooked pinto beans to the skillet, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help soften the beans and incorporate the flavors.
Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, mash the beans to your desired consistency. Leave some chunks for texture or mash until smooth.
Season the beans with salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Stir well and taste, adjusting the seasonings as needed.
Remove from heat. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish, taco filling, or dip with tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1097 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.0 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2727 mg | 119% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 156.2 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 50.1 g | 179% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.7 g | ||
| Protein | 50.1 g | 100% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 339 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 13.8 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 2675 mg | 57% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
