Luscious Refried Black Beans Recipe: A Speedy Flavor Boost

Beans simmered with smoky refried black beans recipe magic turn ordinary dinners into memorable feasts.

Rich, creamy textures combine with deep, earthy flavors that dance across your palate.

Southwestern cooking traditions inspire this delectable dish packed with robust ingredients.

Mexico’s culinary heritage shines through each spoonful of these decadent legumes.

Fragrant spices and carefully layered techniques elevate these beans from simple side to star of the meal.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe promises to become a trusted staple in your kitchen repertoire.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of these irresistible black beans that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 5

All You Need For Refried Black Beans Recipe

• Olive Oil: Provides rich, smooth base for sautéing with deep flavor enhancement.
• Onion: Adds sweet, savory foundation that builds complex taste profile.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent flavor that elevates entire dish.
• Cumin: Introduces warm, earthy undertones typical in Mexican cuisine.
• Chili Powder: Brings subtle heat and vibrant red color to beans.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes smoky, slightly sweet depth to the recipe.

• Black Beans: Protein-packed legume with creamy texture and rich nutritional value.
• Bean Liquid: Reserved cooking liquid adds extra depth and prevents dryness.
• Vegetable Broth: Optional thinning agent that boosts overall flavor complexity.

• Lime Juice: Adds bright, tangy freshness that cuts through richness.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all existing flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle warmth and mild spiciness.
• Cilantro: Optional fresh herb that introduces vibrant, green notes.
• Queso Fresco: Creamy cheese topping that adds cool, mild contrast.

Tools To Cook Refried Black Beans Recipe

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing aromatics and cooking beans.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Fork or potato masher: Key tool for mashing beans to desired texture.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices and seasonings.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Used for precise ingredient preparation.

Steps To Make Refried Black Beans Recipe Smooth

• Awaken the Flavors

Heat olive oil in a skillet and toss in chopped onions. Let them dance and soften for a few minutes. Sprinkle in garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, allowing the spices to release their aromatic magic for half a minute.

• Transform the Beans

Pour black beans and their liquid into the skillet. Let them simmer and bubble for 5 minutes. Grab a fork or potato masher and crush those beans to your heart’s desire. Want them extra smooth? Splash in some vegetable broth.

• Perfect the Seasoning

Brighten the beans with a squeeze of lime juice. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste. If the mixture looks too thick, splash in a bit of water or broth to create a creamy consistency.

• Serve with Style

Plate the beans while they’re steaming hot. Shower with fresh cilantro, crumble some queso fresco on top, or drizzle with a touch of olive oil. These beans are ready to be the star alongside tacos, rice, quesadillas, or as a dip for crispy tortilla chips.

Flavorful Tips For Refried Black Beans Recipe

• Bean Texture Magic: Mash beans to your preferred consistency – from slightly chunky to super smooth. Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon for perfect control.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Refrigerate refried beans for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore creamy texture.
• Vegan-Friendly Twist: Skip cheese garnishes and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free alternatives for a plant-based version that's equally delicious.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with heat levels by adding jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce. Start with small amounts and adjust to your taste preference.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform basic beans into a complete meal by mixing in cooked chorizo, shredded chicken, or crumbled tofu for extra nutrition and flavor.

Fun Serving Ideas For Refried Black Beans Recipe

• Flavor Fiesta Sidekick: Pair these creamy refried black beans with warm tortillas, crispy tacos, or as a delicious dip for nachos during game nights.
• Breakfast Boost: Spread these beans over toasted bread, top with a fried egg, and sprinkle fresh cilantro for a protein-packed morning meal that will energize your day.
• Burrito Bowl Builder: Layer these beans as a rich, hearty base for a customizable burrito bowl with rice, grilled vegetables, salsa, and your favorite protein like chicken or tofu.
• Creamy Crowd-Pleaser: Use as a quick side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings – these beans are sure to be a hit with their smoky, zesty flavor profile.

Storage Tips For Refried Black Beans Recipe

• Smart Refrigeration: Store cooled beans in airtight containers, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Sealed containers prevent moisture loss and maintain delicious flavor profiles.
• Freezing Friendly: Transfer beans to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze up to 3 months, ensuring a quick protein-packed meal whenever cravings strike.
• Quick Reheating Tricks: Microwave with small splash of water or broth to restore creamy texture. Alternatively, warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
• Meal Prep Magic: Batch cook beans during weekly meal planning. Portion into individual containers for effortless grab-and-go lunches or dinner sides, saving time and reducing kitchen stress.

Smoky Refried Black Beans Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade refried black beans deliver authentic Mexican comfort straight from kitchen to table. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor traditional culinary delights with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained (reserve ¼ cup liquid) (or 1 ½ cups cooked black beans)
• ½ lime, juiced
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup vegetable broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chopped cilantro
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Extra lime wedges
• Drizzle of olive oil

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame, sautéing onions until they transform into a translucent, tender base of flavor.
2. Spice Awakening: Quickly introduce garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, stirring rapidly to unleash their aromatic essence without scorching.
3. Bean Infusion: Combine black beans with reserved cooking liquid, allowing the mixture to simmer and absorb the rich, spice-laden profile while gently mashing to create a rustic, creamy consistency.
4. Flavor Balancing: Brighten the mixture with fresh lime juice, modulating the texture using vegetable broth or water to achieve a smooth, spreadable composition.
5. Seasoning Refinement: Layer salt and freshly ground black pepper, carefully calibrating the taste to create a harmonious and vibrant flavor profile.
6. Culinary Presentation: Transfer the velvety beans to a serving vessel, adorning with fresh cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and a delicate olive oil drizzle.
7. Serving Suggestion: Present immediately as a versatile accompaniment to Mexican-inspired cuisine, functioning equally well as a robust dip or complementary side dish.

Notes

• Choose Fresh Beans: Select high-quality, organic black beans for richer flavor and smoother texture.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Add cooking liquid gradually to prevent beans from becoming too dry or watery; aim for creamy, spreadable consistency.
• Spice Intensity Matters: Toast spices briefly to enhance their depth without burning, allowing complex flavors to develop without bitter undertones.
• Customize Texture Strategically: Use a fork or potato masher to create your desired bean consistency, from rustic chunky to silky smooth.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg