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Flavorful Lard-Free Refried Beans – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Flavorful Lard-Free Refried Beans

This game-changing recipe proves you don't need lard for rich, deeply flavorful refried beans. In just 20 minutes, transform simple pinto beans into a versatile side, base, or dip.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 serving
Calories: 295
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn
  • 1 cup (about 150g / 5.3 oz) chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) ground cumin
  • 3 cups (about 510g / 18 oz) cooked pinto beans, liquid reserved
  • 1/4 teaspoon (20 ml / 0.7 fl oz) cayenne pepper, or more to taste
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • for Perfect Refried Beans
  • For a creamier texture and deeper flavor, use the starchy cooking liquid from your beans to thin them out instead of plain water.
  • To build flavor from the start, add a couple of bay leaves, a few whole garlic cloves, or a sprig of epazote to the pot while you initially cook your dried beans.
  • For a richer (non-vegan) dish, swap the neutral oil for butter. For a creamier vegan option with a hint of sweetness, use coconut oil.

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the ground cumin and cook for 1 minute more until it's fragrant. This step toasts the spice and deepens its flavor.
  4. Add the cooked beans to the skillet.
  5. Using a potato masher or the back of a large fork, begin to mash the beans directly in the pan.
  6. Continue to cook and mash, stirring frequently, until the beans are mostly broken down. If they seem too thick, add a splash of the reserved bean cooking liquid or water to reach your desired consistency.
  7. Season generously with salt, pepper, and the cayenne.
  8. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed—you might want another pinch of cumin or a dash more cayenne for extra heat.
  9. Serve immediately.
  10. Don't be afraid to leave some beans partially whole when mashing. This creates a wonderful, rustic texture that's far superior to a completely smooth purée.

Nutrition

Calories: 295kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 10gFat: 15g

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