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Creamy Refried Beans From Scratch Easy Authentic Recipe for Perfect Comfort Food

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This recipe delivers creamy, authentic refried beans made from dried pinto beans simmered slowly and mashed with sautéed onions, garlic, and spices for a comforting, flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) dried pinto beans, soaked overnight or quick soaked
  • 4 cups (960ml) water or low-sodium vegetable broth for cooking beans
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard (olive oil for lighter/vegan version)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 to 1½ teaspoons salt, adjusted to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, a pinch or two
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup dried pinto beans thoroughly under cold water. Place in a large bowl and cover with 3 cups water. Soak overnight or quick soak by boiling for 2 minutes, then soaking for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine soaked beans with 4 cups fresh water or vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1½ hours until beans are tender but not falling apart. Stir occasionally and add water if needed.
  3. While beans cook, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional). Cook for 30 seconds to toast spices.
  5. Once beans are tender, scoop out about 1 cup of cooking broth and set aside. Drain the rest of the beans. Add beans and sautéed mixture back into the pot.
  6. Using a potato masher, mash beans gradually, adding reserved broth a little at a time to reach desired creamy consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Stir in salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lime juice. Adjust seasoning as needed. Warm gently over low heat for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Soak beans overnight or quick soak to reduce cooking time. Simmer beans low and slow to avoid splitting. Use reserved cooking broth to adjust creaminess. Mash gradually to avoid lumps. Use lard for authentic flavor or olive oil for vegan option. Avoid over-blending to keep rustic texture. Beans can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: refried beans, creamy beans, pinto beans, homemade refried beans, authentic Mexican beans, comfort food, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/creamy-refried-beans-from-scratch-easy-authentic-recipe-for-perfect-comfort-food/