Slow Cooker Healthy Refried Beans with Coffee and Cilantro
Transform humble dried beans into a flavorful, fat-free refried bean dish that's perfect for all your Mexican meals. This slow cooker recipe not only saves you time but also eliminates the need for canned beans filled with preservatives and excess fat. Infused with brewed coffee for depth, fresh cilantro for brightness, and seasonings to tantalize your taste buds, this recipe yields creamy refried beans that can serve as a delightful side, a filling for tacos and burritos, or even a hearty main dish topped with shredded cheddar and salsa. With a convenient freezer-friendly option, you'll always have a nutritious, homemade side ready to go. Make ahead and enjoy the true flavor of home-cooked meals!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried beans
1 lb (Soaked overnight)
Water
4 cups (N/A)
Brewed coffee
1 cup (N/A)
Garlic cloves
3 cloves (Minced)
Fresh cilantro or celery & leaves
1 bunch or 1 cup (Chopped with stems)
Ground cumin
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Chili powder
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon or to taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
The night before, soak the dried beans in a large bowl filled with water to soften them.
2
After soaking, drain the beans and add them to your slow cooker.
3
Pour in the 4 cups of water and 1 cup of brewed coffee. Add the minced garlic cloves, chopped cilantro (or celery), ground cumin, chili powder, oregano, and stir everything to combine.
4
Ensure the beans are submerged in the liquid by about 1 inch to prevent them from drying out during cooking.
5
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 8 to 10 hours, checking occasionally to ensure they remain moist.
6
Once the beans are tender, add salt to taste and mix well.
7
Using a potato masher or the bottom of a heat-safe jar, mash the beans to your desired consistency. For a creamier texture, continue to mash and stir until smooth.
8
To freeze, portion the beans into freezer Ziploc bags or containers, flattening them to about 2 inches thick for even freezing. Label and date your containers before storing them in the freezer.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Slow Cooker Healthy Refried Beans?
These are flavor-packed, fat-free refried beans made from dried beans in a slow cooker, infused with coffee and cilantro.
What is the main ingredient for this recipe?
The main ingredient is 1 lb of dried beans.
How should I prepare the dried beans?
The dried beans should be soaked in a large bowl filled with water overnight to soften them.
Why is coffee used in this bean recipe?
Brewed coffee is added to provide a unique depth of flavor to the beans.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, these refried beans are vegan and fat-free.
How much water is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of water.
What can I substitute for cilantro?
You can use chopped celery and its leaves if you do not wish to use cilantro.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What spices are used to season the beans?
The seasonings include ground cumin, chili powder, and oregano.
How long do the beans cook in the slow cooker?
The beans should cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
What is the recommended cooking setting?
Set your slow cooker to the low heat setting for the best results.
How do I ensure the beans don't dry out?
Ensure the beans are submerged in the liquid by about 1 inch and check occasionally to ensure they remain moist.
When should I add salt to the recipe?
Add salt to taste once the beans have become tender after cooking.
What tools can I use to mash the beans?
You can use a potato masher or the bottom of a heat-safe jar to achieve your desired consistency.
Can I freeze these refried beans?
Yes, these beans are freezer-friendly.
How should I package the beans for the freezer?
Portion them into freezer Ziploc bags or containers and flatten them to about 2 inches thick.
What is the benefit of flattening the beans before freezing?
Flattening them to 2 inches thick ensures even freezing and easier storage.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: dried beans, water, coffee, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and salt.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, as a bean-based dish, it is naturally high in fiber.
What is the amount of cumin used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of ground cumin.
How much chili powder should I add?
Add 2 teaspoons of chili powder.
How much oregano is required?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of oregano.
Can these beans be used as a main dish?
Yes, they can be served as a main dish when topped with shredded cheddar and salsa.
Are these beans better than canned beans?
Homemade beans are often preferred as they eliminate preservatives and excess fat found in canned versions.
What are some ways to serve these refried beans?
They are perfect for tacos, burritos, as a side dish, or as a hearty main meal.
Do I need to drain the soaking water?
Yes, after soaking the beans overnight, you should drain them before adding them to the slow cooker.
How do I get a creamier texture?
To get a creamier texture, continue to mash and stir the beans until they are smooth.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep because it is easy to make in large batches and freezes well.
How much cilantro is used?
The recipe uses 1 bunch or 1 cup of chopped cilantro including stems.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include healthy, vegan, freezer-friendly, Mexican cuisine, high fiber, and low fat.