Recipe for Vegetarian Refried Beans Made Easy and Delicious

Refried beans are a classic staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, loved for their creamy texture and rich, savory flavor. Traditionally made with lard, refried beans can also be enjoyed as a wholesome vegetarian dish without sacrificing taste.

This recipe for vegetarian refried beans offers a simple, delicious, and nutritious way to enjoy this versatile food. Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish, a filling for burritos, or a base for nachos, these beans will impress with their depth of flavor and smooth consistency.

Using basic pantry ingredients, this recipe cooks dried pinto beans to perfection and incorporates sautéed onions, garlic, and a blend of spices for that authentic taste. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using vegetable oil instead of butter.

Perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or even as a comforting snack, these refried beans will become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian refried beans recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines tradition with wholesome ingredients. It’s:

• Healthy and hearty: Packed with protein and fiber to keep you full.
• Versatile: Great as a side, dip, spread, or main dish component.
• Easy to customize: Adjust spices and add-ins to suit your taste.
• Cost-effective: Made with pantry staples that won’t break the bank.
• Vegetarian & vegan-friendly: No animal fats or dairy needed.

Plus, the slow simmering and mashing process brings out a rich, creamy texture that rivals traditional recipes. You’ll find that homemade refried beans taste far superior to canned versions, with no preservatives or additives.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried pinto beans (or 2 cups cooked/canned, rinsed and drained)
• 3 cups water (for cooking dried beans)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for mild heat)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth or bean cooking liquid (for mashing)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Equipment

• Large bowl (for soaking beans)
• Large pot or pressure cooker
• Colander or sieve
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Spoon or spatula
• Potato masher or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Soak the dried beans: Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water, then place them in a large bowl and cover with water by 2 inches. Soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. This step helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility. If using canned beans, skip to step 4.
2. Cook the beans: Drain the soaked beans and transfer to a large pot. Add 3 cups of fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the beans are very tender. Alternatively, use a pressure cooker for 30 minutes. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of the cooking liquid.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
4. Combine and season: Add the cooked beans to the skillet along with the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
5. Mash the beans: Using a potato masher or fork, mash the beans in the skillet, adding reserved bean liquid or vegetable broth little by little to reach your desired creamy consistency. For chunkier beans, mash less; for smoother, mash more and add more liquid.
6. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For even creamier refried beans, blend a portion of the cooked beans with the cooking liquid in a food processor before adding to the skillet.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for smoky heat.
• Cheesy twist: Stir in some shredded vegetarian cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Beans swap: Try black beans or kidney beans for a different flavor profile.
• Use canned beans: When short on time, canned beans work great. Just rinse and drain well to reduce sodium.
• Make it vegan: Use vegetable oil and vegetable broth to keep the recipe fully plant-based.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian refried beans are incredibly versatile and can enhance many meals. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:

• Spread on warm tortillas for delicious vegetarian burritos or tacos.
• Layer in a vegetarian Tex-Mex style casserole with cheese and salsa.
• Serve alongside rice and sautéed vegetables for a balanced, hearty dinner.
• Use as a dip with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks.
• Top with avocado slices and fresh salsa for a quick snack or light meal.

For more inspiration on vegetarian dishes, check out our Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners and Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals.

Conclusion

This vegetarian refried beans recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy a classic dish without any animal products. By using dried beans and fresh aromatics, you create a rich and creamy dish that’s full of protein and fiber, perfect for any meal.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your week, refried beans are a fantastic addition to your culinary toolkit.

Not only do they taste better homemade, but they also allow you to control the ingredients and seasoning to suit your preferences perfectly. With minimal prep and easy steps, this recipe fits well into busy schedules while still delivering on flavor and nutrition.

Don’t forget to explore our other recipes like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for more plant-based inspiration!

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