Refried Beans

Ingredients

• 1 can (200 g) black beans, drained and rinsed (or dried: soak overnight, simmer 45–60 min until tender; use ~100 g dried to yield ~200 g cooked)
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or lard for traditional)
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2–3 tbsp water or broth
• 1 tbsp lime juice (optional)

For serving:

• Warm flour or corn tortillas
• Grated cheese
• Sour cream
• Salsa or hot sauce
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced avocado

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Instructions

1. Sauté the onion and garlic

1. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion.
3. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Add the beans

1. Add the drained beans to the skillet.
2. Add cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to coat the beans in the oil and spices.
4. Cook for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors combine.

3. Mash

1. Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, mash the beans directly in the skillet.
2. Add 2–3 tbsp water or broth as you mash to reach your desired consistency.
3. Continue mashing and stirring over medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes until thick and creamy.
4. Stir in lime juice if using.
5. Taste and adjust salt.

4. Serve

1. Spoon into a bowl or onto a plate.
2. Serve with warm tortillas, cheese, sour cream, salsa, cilantro, and avocado.

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Tips

• Chunky or smooth is up to you. Less mashing = more texture. More mashing = creamier.
• Don’t skip the lime juice. It brightens the whole dish and cuts the richness.
• Make them ahead. They reheat perfectly — just add a splash of water and stir over low heat.
• As a side dish these go with almost anything Mexican — tacos, enchiladas, burritos, grilled chicken, or just with tortilla chips as a dip.

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Variations

Variation	Change	Notes
With red kidney beans	Use red kidney beans instead of black	Different flavor, equally good
Spicy refried beans	Add 1 diced jalapeño with the onion, or 1/2 tsp cayenne with the spices	Kick of heat
Cheesy refried beans	Stir in 1/4 cup grated cheddar at the end	Melty and indulgent
With epazote	Add 1/2 tsp dried epazote with the cumin	Traditional Mexican herb, adds authentic flavor

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Result

Thick, creamy, smoky mashed beans with a hit of cumin and lime — rustic and deeply satisfying. A perfect side for any Mexican meal, or a meal on its own wrapped in a warm tortilla.