Fat Free Refried Beans
Creamy, fat-free refried beans with a hint of chili powder, perfect as a healthy side or dip, suited for vegetarians and bean lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the soaked pinto beans.
- Cover the beans with water in a pot.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and chili powder to the beans.
- Simmer until the beans are very tender, stirring occasionally and adding water if needed.
- The mixture should be thick and soupy.
- Add salt to taste.
- Blend with a hand blender until fairly smooth, with some whole beans remaining.
- Cook further if necessary to thicken.
- Refrigerate or freeze before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of vegetable broth instead of water while simmering the beans. If you're out of pinto beans, black beans make a great substitute. Adjust the chili powder to your heat preference; adding a pinch of cayenne can elevate the flavor. This dish can be seasoned with a Mexican Spice Mix for additional depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these fat-free refried beans as a filling for burritos or tacos, or as a side with homemade chips. They pair beautifully with Guacamole Tomato Dip for a tasty appetizer. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside rice or in Sharon'S Mexican Waste Basket Stew for a hearty dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. When reheating, add a little water to restore moisture and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fat Free Refried Beans contains roughly 313 calories, with 12g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried pinto beans?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans to save time. Simply rinse and drain them, then skip the soaking and simmering steps. Instead, add them to the pot with the onion, garlic, and chili powder, and heat until warmed through before blending.
How do I make these beans spicier?
To increase the spice level, add more chili powder or incorporate diced jalapeños or serrano peppers into the mix. You can also stir in hot sauce after blending to achieve your desired heat level without altering the texture.
What can I serve with refried beans?
Refried beans are incredibly versatile! They pair well with rice, tortillas, or as a dip with chips. You can also serve them alongside grilled vegetables or use them as a base for a burrito bowl topped with fresh ingredients. For a delightful treat, try them with Cinnamon Crisp Tortillas.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).