Smoky Garlic Refried Pinto Beans
Elevate your dining experience with these homemade Smoky Garlic Refried Pinto Beans. Once you've tasted these creamy yet textured beans, you'll understand why they far surpass anything from a can. Infused with the rich flavors of garlic, cumin, and chili powder, these beans are not just a side dish; they're a flavorful centerpiece that adds depth to tacos, burritos, or even as a dip. Perfect for those craving a smoky, savory delight, this recipe is quick to prepare and guarantees satisfaction for your taste buds and your dinner guests alike.
6
Servings
120
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
canola oil
2 tablespoons (measured)
garlic cloves
2 (whole, lightly smashed)
pinto beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (drained, reserving 1/4 cup liquid)
cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (adjust for heat tolerance)
lime
1/2 (juiced)
Instructions
1
In a heavy skillet, heat the canola oil over medium-low heat until shimmering.
2
Add the whole garlic cloves to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and fragrant on both sides, approximately 5 minutes.
3
Gently smash the browned garlic cloves with a fork to release their flavor, ensuring they remain mostly intact.
4
Add the drained pinto beans and the reserved liquid to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through for about 5 minutes.
5
Stir in the cumin and chili powder, along with salt to taste. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
6
Reduce the heat to medium-low and begin to mash the beans with a large fork or potato masher. Aim for a consistency where some beans are smashed and others remain whole for added texture.
7
Once the beans are mashed to your preferred consistency, squeeze the lime juice over them and stir to mix.
8
Serve the beans warm as a filling for tacos or as a topping for tostadas. For a delightful twist, mix them with a bit of salsa for a delicious dip.
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
16.7g
Carbs
5.7g
Protein
5.3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Smoky Garlic Refried Pinto Beans?
They are a flavorful homemade alternative to canned beans, infused with garlic, cumin, and chili powder for a smoky, savory taste.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 120 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these refried pinto beans are vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of canola oil.
How do I prepare the garlic for this dish?
Cook whole garlic cloves in oil until golden brown and fragrant, then gently smash them with a fork.
Can I use canned pinto beans?
Yes, the recipe uses two 15-ounce cans of pinto beans.
Should I drain the beans?
Yes, but you must reserve 1/4 cup of the liquid to add back into the skillet.
What spices provide the smoky flavor?
Ground cumin and chili powder provide the core smoky and savory flavor profile.
How long does it take to brown the garlic?
It takes approximately 5 minutes over medium-low heat.
What tools can I use to mash the beans?
You can use a large fork or a potato masher to reach your desired consistency.
What is the recommended texture for these beans?
Aim for a mix where some beans are smashed into a paste and others remain whole for added texture.
When should I add the lime juice?
Squeeze the lime juice over the beans once they have been mashed to your preferred consistency.
What are some serving suggestions?
Serve them as a filling for tacos, a topping for tostadas, or mixed with salsa as a dip.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of chili powder based on your personal heat tolerance.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 3.3g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 16.7g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein do these beans provide?
Each serving provides 5.7g of protein.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, it provides 5.3g of fiber per serving.
What size cans of pinto beans are needed?
You will need two 15-ounce cans.
Can I use these beans in a burrito?
Yes, they make an excellent flavorful base for burritos.
Is this recipe considered unprocessed?
Yes, it is tagged as an unprocessed, easy-to-prepare recipe.
How much cumin is required?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
What is the heat setting for cooking?
The recipe recommends using medium-low heat.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the nutritional data provided, the cholesterol content is negligible or null.
How much lime juice is needed?
The juice from 1/2 of a lime is used.
What should I do if the beans are too dry?
Ensure you are using the full 1/4 cup of reserved bean liquid, or add a splash of water if needed during mashing.
Are these beans gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 whole garlic cloves.
Can I serve this as a dip?
Yes, for a twist, mix the finished beans with a bit of salsa to create a delicious dip.