Best 4 Americas Test Kitchen Refried Beans Recipes

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**Refried Beans: A Culinary Journey Through Flavor and Tradition**

Embark on a culinary expedition with refried beans, a classic and versatile dish brimming with rich flavors and cultural heritage. Originating from Mexico, refried beans have become a staple in many cuisines worldwide. Their unique preparation process involves cooking beans, typically pinto or black beans, until tender, then mashing and frying them with a blend of aromatic spices and seasonings. The result is a creamy, flavorful spread that can be enjoyed as a dip, side dish, or filling for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. In this article, we present a collection of meticulously crafted refried beans recipes that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From the traditional Mexican-style refried beans, bursting with the vibrancy of cumin, chili powder, and garlic, to the smoky chipotle-spiced variation, each recipe offers a distinct flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds. Additionally, we provide a vegan refried beans recipe for those seeking a plant-based alternative, ensuring that everyone can savor the delectable goodness of this culinary gem.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

HOME-STYLE REFRIED BEANS



Home-Style Refried Beans image

Lime juice, cumin and cayenne pepper make these beans so tasty, particularly when compared to the canned variety. I like to dress them up with reduced-fat cheese and salsa. -Myra Innes of Auburn, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 15m

Yield 2-2/3 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 9

2/3 cup finely chopped onion
4 teaspoons canola oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup water
4 teaspoons lime juice

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, saute onion in oil until tender. Stir in the garlic, cumin, salt and cayenne; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add beans and mash. Add water; cook and stir until heated through and water is absorbed. Remove from the heat; stir in lime juice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 123 calories, Fat 3g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 290mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

REFRIED BEANS



Refried Beans image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 27m

Yield 2 to 3 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

One 15 1/2-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2/3 to 1 cup chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium canned
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) (optional)

Steps:

  • Reserve about a third of the beans. Mash the rest of the beans in a medium bowl with a large fork. Set aside.
  • Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook, stirring, until lightly browned. Add the spices and cook until fragrant about 1 minute.
  • Add the mashed beans and half the broth; cook, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Add the reserved beans and the enough of the remaining broth to loosen up the beans. Simmer until the beans are thick but not pasty, about 2 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh coriander, if desired, and serve.

REFRIED BEANS - COOKS ILLUSTRATED



Refried Beans - Cooks Illustrated image

This is simple enough. If you have the time, try cooking pinto beans from dried using my Cooked Dried Beans (Recipe #354834). Use for dinner as a side or for breakfast burritos. Check the liquid (water or broth); you may need a little more than the original measurement.

Provided by LaJuneBug

Categories     Beans

Time 21m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
2 (15 1/2 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 ounces salt pork, rind removed and diced very small
1 small onion, chopped fine (about 3/4 cup)
1 jalapeno chile, seeds and ribs removed, chile minced
1 poblano chile, seeds and ribs removed, chile chopped fine (about 1/4 cup)
1/4 teaspoon table salt
3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 1/2 teaspoons of small cloves) or 3 garlic cloves, pressed through garlic press (about 1 1/2 teaspoons of small cloves)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro leaves
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (optional)

Steps:

  • Process broth and all but 1 cup of beans in food processor until smooth, about 15 seconds, scraping sides of bowl with rubber spatula if necessary. Add remaining beans and process until slightly chunky, about ten 1-second pulses.
  • Heat oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add salt pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until fat has rendered and pork is well browned, about 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer pork to small bowl with slotted spoon and set aside (you should have about 2 tablespoons of fat left in skillet.).
  • Increase heat to medium-high; add onion, chiles, and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cumin; cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add beans and stir until thoroughly combined. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until beans are thick and creamy, about 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro and lime juice, if using, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 523, Fat 22.3, SaturatedFat 7, Cholesterol 18.3, Sodium 463.3, Carbohydrate 61.4, Fiber 20.3, Sugar 2.3, Protein 22

REFRIED BLACK BEANS



Refried Black Beans image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 10h5m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 pound dried black beans, soaked overnight in cold water
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Drain the soaked beans and add to a pot. Cover with 2 inches cold water and add the garlic, onions, cumin, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Leave to a simmer until the beans are tender and the liquid has turned into a thick sauce, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  • Melt the butter in a skillet and pour in the beans. Mash the beans (leave some texture) and cook over a medium heat, 3 or 4 minutes.

Tips:

  • To achieve the perfect refried bean consistency, use a potato masher to mash the beans until they are smooth and creamy, but still retain a slightly chunky texture.
  • For a richer flavor, use a combination of lard and vegetable oil to fry the beans.
  • Add a splash of lime juice or vinegar to brighten the flavor of the beans.
  • Garnish the refried beans with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or crumbled queso fresco for a pop of color and flavor.
  • Store leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion:

Refried beans are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you serve them as a side dish, a dip, or a filling for tacos or burritos, these beans are sure to be a hit. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can easily make a batch of refried beans that will rival any restaurant-quality dish.

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