Vegan Refried Beans

5 from 1 vote

These quick Vegan Refried Beans are creamy, hearty, full of protein and fiber, and really delicious! They make it easy to get a meatless meal on the table in under 20 minutes!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Sides

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Servings:

Calories: 202kcal

Author: Jenn Sebestyen

Equipment

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow or white onion diced
1 clove garlic minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cans (15-oz) pinto beans drained and rinsed
1 cup water
⅓ cup non-dairy milk or more water or vegetable broth
½ teaspoon salt or to taste
juice from ½ lime about 1 tablespoon, or to taste
fresh chopped cilantro for garnish, optional

Instructions

Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir to incorporate and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the beans and 1 cup of water. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in the milk.
Using a potato masher, mash the beans well until your desired consistency is reached. I like them mostly smooth and creamy, but some texture is fine. Alternately, if you prefer a completely smooth texture, transfer the beans to a food processor and purée until smooth.
Add the lime juice and salt. Stir well to incorporate.
Serve garnished with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired.

Notes

~ Use canned beans for convenience. Drain and rinse the beans before adding to the recipe.

~ Sauté the onions until soft so they mash easily into the beans.

~ Sauté the spices until fragrant to release their natural oils and bring out the best flavor.

~ Add non-dairy milk or extra water when mashing to create a creamy texture.

~ Mash the beans as much as you like until your desired consistency is reached. A potato masher works great for this! You could use the back of a wooden spoon or a fork if you don't have a masher.

~ If you prefer perfectly smooth refried beans, transfer them to a food processor and purée until smooth.

~ Stir in a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.

~ Always taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Nutrition facts calculated based on ½ cup per serving.

Nutrition