How to make Homemade Refried Beans

pinto beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans save time and are often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is a cost-effective substitute.

jalapeno

🥗Healthier: bell pepper

💰Cheaper: banana pepper

Banana peppers provide a milder flavor.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: fresh lemon juice

💰Cheaper: bottled lemon juice

Bottled lemon juice is more affordable.

If using canned beans, skip this section and jump ahead to the 'To Make the Refried Beans' section.

Cut onion in half, remove dry outer skin. Rinse beans in colander, check for broken beans or other debris and remove.

Place beans in a medium pot, cover with 3 cups water, add whole garlic cloves, dried chipotles, and half an onion. Bring to a boil for 10 minutes, then reduce heat, cover with lid cracked, and simmer for 1.5 hours. Add hot water (ideally from a kettle) if more water is needed (I added ¾ cup of hot water during the simmer time).

Drain your cooked beans with a colander over a bowl to reserve cooking liquid. Throw away onion, garlic, and chipotle pepper.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the minced onion, jalapeno, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Saute, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes, be careful not to burn/blacken.

Add in your cooked beans, ¼ cup of reserved bean water (or 1/4 cup of broth if you're using canned beans), ½ teaspoon salt. Mix everything together and mash the beans to your preferred consistency. Simmer for 3 minutes, add more water/ broth to thin out, simmer longer to thicken.

Remove from heat and stir in ¼ cup of reserved bean water (or broth if using canned beans). Add salt to taste.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Dietary