Yesterday's post featured Roasted Veggie and "Chicken" Tacos loaded with tons of fresh toppings such as guacamole, diced tomato, lime, cilantro, and red onion. I don't know about you, but I cannot enjoy a Mexican meal, like tacos, without a side of refried beans. They are hands down my favorite Mexican dish. I think I might even swim in a pool of beans if I could—that's how much I love them.
Most grocery stores carry canned vegetarian refried beans (nonveg varieties often contain lard), but if you make them yourself, you'll be in for a treat. You can add more spices and flavor with the homemade variety, and you can completely control the consistency. Most canned refried beans are made to be very, very thick, so I make them at home and thin them out a bit. I like to use faux chicken stock instead of water, to add even more depth to the flavor.
Try this recipe below with pinto beans, or you can make it with black beans instead. My recipe doesn't make much, so if you're cooking for a group, you may need to double or even triple the ingredients.
Seasoned Refried Beans
1 15.5-oz. can pinto beans
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. chipotle powder
1 cup faux chicken or vegetable broth
Salt (optional)
•Drain the pintos and set aside.
•In a medium saucepan, sauté the onion in the vegetable oil over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic, cumin, and chipotle and cook for an additional minute.
•Add 1/2 of the pinto beans and 1/2 cup of broth, then mash until creamy. Add the remaining beans and broth, then mash again. Note: At this point, the beans should look rather thin.
•Cook over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the desired consistency is reached. The longer you cook the beans, the thicker they will be. Season with salt, if desired.
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Comments ( 6 )
OMGosh this sounds so good!! I seriously never even thought about making my own refried beans and I love them, too! :) Thanks for the recipe.
Posted by Stephanie Jedlicka | August 10, 2008 4:13 PM
Posted on August 10, 2008 16:13
Awesome!! This sounds so good.
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Posted by Denise | August 11, 2008 3:11 PM
Posted on August 11, 2008 15:11
This looks great. I do something similar, except I start with dried beans (cheaper and tastier - but you do need some soaking time).
Now I'm craving tacos for lunch.
Cheers!
Posted by almost vegetarian | August 12, 2008 4:23 PM
Posted on August 12, 2008 16:23
We tried this recipe the other night and absolutely loved them. It was a welcome and delicious change from canned refried beans, yet easier than soaking over night and all that. This is the second recipe of yours that I've tried...and it's another winner! Thanks!!
Posted by dez | August 22, 2008 11:25 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 11:25
These are so yummy!! We had them for dinner last night and my whole family went nuts for them. Everyone is asking if we can have them again!! A definate repeat recipe!!
Posted by Jesika Oshun | August 26, 2008 9:34 PM
Posted on August 26, 2008 21:34
Um, delicious! I made these for a Mexican-themed dinner last night, and everyone loved them.
This was my first time making refried beans myself, and it definitely won't be my last. :o)
Thanks, Amy!
Posted by Marta | October 22, 2008 1:24 PM
Posted on October 22, 2008 13:24