Description
Silky refried black beans dance with authentic Mexican flavors, creating a rich and creamy side dish that elevates any meal. Hearty beans meld together with aromatic spices, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can black beans, drained (reserve ¼ cup liquid) (or 1 ½ cups cooked black beans)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- ½ lime, juiced
- ¼ cup vegetable broth or water
Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Extra lime wedges
- Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing chopped onions until they become translucent and soft.
- Introduce minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika to the skillet, stirring quickly to release their vibrant flavors without burning.
- Pour black beans and their reserved cooking liquid into the fragrant mixture, allowing them to simmer and absorb the spice-infused essence.
- Gently crush the beans using a fork or potato masher, creating a rustic texture that ranges from slightly chunky to smoothly mashed, depending on your preference.
- Enhance the bean mixture with fresh lime juice, adjusting the consistency by adding small amounts of vegetable broth or water if needed to achieve a creamy, spreadable texture.
- Season the refried beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting the flavors to create a balanced and zesty profile.
- Transfer the warm, velvety beans to a serving dish, garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, or a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
- Serve immediately alongside your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, rice, quesadillas, or as a delightful dip with crispy tortilla chips.
Notes
- Select dried black beans for deeper, richer flavor compared to canned varieties, soaking overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Experiment with bean-mashing techniques: use a fork for rustic texture or a blender for ultra-smooth consistency, depending on personal preference and dish pairing.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños or hot sauce for those craving extra heat, or reducing spices for sensitive palates.
- Transform this recipe into a protein-packed vegan or vegetarian option by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based and serving with alternative toppings like nutritional yeast instead of queso fresco.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg