Not So Fried Refried Beans

Skip the frying but keep all the flavor with this easy and healthy "Not So Fried Refried Beans" recipe! Made with creamy pinto beans, aromatic sautéed onions and garlic, and perfectly seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and a splash of zesty lime juice, this dish delivers all the comforting richness of classic refried beans without the added oil. A quick simmer in low-sodium vegetable broth allows the flavors to meld beautifully, while mashing the beans to your desired texture creates a versatile dish that can be enjoyed chunky or smooth. Ready in just 25 minutes, these refried beans make the perfect side for tacos, a hearty dip for tortilla chips, or a filling for burritos. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of freshness and serve warm for a satisfying, guilt-free treat! Perfect for plant-based diets and packed with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a tasty, health-conscious twist on a traditional favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 90/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked pinto beans (drained, if using canned)
• 1 cup vegetable broth (low sodium)
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoons (or to taste) salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable broth over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the saucepan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the ground cumin and chili powder, cooking for an additional 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 4

Add the pinto beans and the remaining vegetable broth to the saucepan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 5

Allow the mixture to simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the liquid begins to thicken.

Step 6

Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash the beans to your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, mash lightly; for smoother beans, mash completely.

Step 7

Stir in the lime juice, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 8

Remove from heat and let the beans sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Step 9

Serve warm as a side dish, in tacos, or as a dip with tortilla chips.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1117.6 grams (1117.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	772

Total Fat 3.40g	4%
Saturated Fat 0.60g	3%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1381mg	60%
Total Carbohydrate 142.00g	52%
Dietary Fiber 46.30g	165%
Total Sugars 9.70g
Protein 46.00g	92%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 328mg	25%
Iron 14mg	79%
Potassium 2393mg	51%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 3.9%

Protein: 23.5%

Carbs: 72.6%