Looking for a quick and delicious way to elevate your meals? Say hello to "Quick and Easy Refried Beans"! This delightful Mexican dish is not only a staple in many households but also a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. With just a handful of ingredients and under 15 minutes of your time, you can whip up a creamy, flavorful side that pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, or even as a dip for your favorite tortilla chips. Dive into this recipe and discover how simple it is to create a comforting dish that will have your family asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Drain the canned pinto beans thoroughly in a colander and rinse them under cold running water to remove excess sodium and starch.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat, ensuring the oil is evenly distributed across the cooking surface.
- Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the heated skillet, spreading them out in a single layer to promote even cooking.
- Sprinkle ground cumin over the beans, gently stirring to ensure the spice is evenly distributed throughout the beans.
- Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, begin mashing the beans while they cook, creating a creamy and slightly chunky texture.
- Continue cooking and mashing for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- Season with salt to taste, adjusting the amount gradually and tasting as you go to achieve the desired flavor profile.
- Remove the skillet from heat once the beans reach a creamy consistency and are heated through completely.
- Let the refried beans rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and texture to settle before serving.
Tips
- Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to drain and rinse the canned pinto beans well. This step removes excess sodium and starch, resulting in a cleaner taste and better texture.
- Heat Control: When heating the olive oil, keep the heat at medium. This helps prevent the beans from sticking and ensures they cook evenly without burning.
- Even Cooking: Spread the beans in a single layer in the skillet. This promotes even cooking and allows for better mashing.
- Texture Preference: Adjust the mashing process to your liking! If you prefer a smoother consistency, mash longer; for a chunkier texture, stop mashing earlier.
- Season Gradually: When adding salt, do so gradually and taste as you go. This ensures you achieve the perfect flavor without over-salting.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the refried beans sit for a few minutes after cooking. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like garlic powder, chili powder, or even a dash of lime juice for an extra kick of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
