Savor the wholesome goodness of these Low Fat Homestyle Refried Beans, a healthy twist on a classic comfort food! Made from scratch with tender pinto beans, aromatic spices like ground cumin and smoked paprika, and a hint of garlic, this recipe delivers rich, authentic flavors without the added fat. Perfectly creamy and customizable, these beans are lightly mashed and can be adjusted to your preferred texture with a splash of reserved cooking liquid or vegetable stock. Ready in just a few simple steps, this nutritious dish is ideal as a side for tacos, burritos, or nachos, or as a standalone dip. Garnish with fresh lime juice and cilantro for a zesty finishing touch. Whether you're seeking a heart-healthy option or a plant-based protein source, this easy recipe is brimming with flavor and versatility.
Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly under cold water.
In a large pot, add the rinsed beans and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer the beans for about 2 to 3 hours, or until they are soft and tender. Check periodically and add more water if needed to keep the beans covered.
Once the beans are tender, drain them while reserving some of the cooking liquid (about 1 cup).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), and black pepper. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the cooked pinto beans to the skillet. Mash the beans with a potato masher or the back of a spoon until they reach your desired consistency, adding the reserved cooking liquid a little at a time to keep the mixture creamy.
Season the beans with salt and stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
If the beans are too thick, you can add a splash of vegetable stock to thin them out.
Cook the mashed beans for an additional 5-7 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
Calories |
764 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.3 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.9 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3529 mg | 153% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 120.9 g | 44% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.7 g | 135% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.1 g | ||
| Protein | 36.8 g | 74% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 380 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 12.7 mg | 71% | |
| Potassium | 2108 mg | 45% | |
*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.