Ultimate Quick Vegetarian Refried Beans
These Ultimate Quick Vegetarian Refried Beans are a culinary staple inspired by Rick Bayless, perfect for anyone seeking an easy and delicious side dish that can be prepared with minimal effort. Featuring rich, creamy pinto beans sautéed with aromatic garlic, this versatile dish can be enjoyed as a dip, a filling for burritos, or as a complement to any Mexican meal. Whether you make it with bacon drippings for that classic flavor or opt for lard for a vegetarian version, these beans come together in just minutes and taste even better the next day. Feel free to double or triple the recipe for gatherings, or personalize it with spices and whole beans for added texture. A favorite among family and friends, this recipe is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon drippings or lard
2 tablespoons (Melted for sautéing)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Canned pinto beans
2 lbs (With liquid)
Cumin powder
1 teaspoon (Optional, for seasoning)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Optional, for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, add the bacon drippings or lard along with the minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the garlic begins to turn golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
2
Carefully pour in the canned pinto beans with their liquid. Use a potato masher to mash the beans to your desired consistency, stirring constantly. Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes until the mixture is heated through and has thickened. The beans will become creamier as they cook.
3
If you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve some whole beans before mashing and stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
4
To enhance the flavor, you can optionally add cumin powder and a dash of oregano while the beans are cooking. Adjust seasonings to taste.
5
Once cooked, serve hot as a side dish or use as a filling for burritos, tacos, or nachos.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for these refried beans?
The main ingredients are 2 lbs of canned pinto beans, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings or lard.
How long does it take to cook the beans?
The beans take approximately 10-15 minutes to cook until they are heated through and thickened.
Who inspired this refried bean recipe?
This recipe is a culinary staple inspired by Rick Bayless.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, according to the description, you can use lard for a vegetarian version or substitute with vegetable oil.
Do I need to drain the canned pinto beans?
No, you should pour in the canned pinto beans along with their liquid.
What tool is best for mashing the beans?
A potato masher is recommended to reach your desired consistency while stirring.
Can I make these refried beans in advance?
Yes, these beans are noted to taste even better when served the next day.
How can I make the beans have a chunkier texture?
To achieve a chunkier texture, reserve some whole beans before mashing and stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
What spices can be added to enhance the flavor?
You can optionally add 1 teaspoon of cumin powder and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano.
What type of fat is used to sauté the garlic?
You can use either bacon drippings or lard for sautéing the garlic.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it begins to turn golden brown.
What is the recommended heat level for cooking?
The garlic should be sautéed over medium heat.
Can I scale this recipe for a large group?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe for gatherings.
What are some ways to serve these refried beans?
They can be served as a side dish, a dip, or as a filling for burritos, tacos, and nachos.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What happens to the beans as they cook?
The beans will thicken and become creamier as they are heated and stirred.
How much fat is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings or lard.
Is cumin a mandatory ingredient?
No, cumin powder is listed as an optional seasoning.
Is oregano a mandatory ingredient?
No, oregano is an optional seasoning used to enhance the flavor.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses canned pinto beans.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 5 ingredients listed, including the optional spices.
What is the total weight of beans used?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of canned pinto beans.
Should the beans be served hot or cold?
The beans should be served hot.
Can I use these beans in burritos?
Yes, they are specifically recommended as a versatile filling for burritos.
Are these beans considered a quick meal option?
Yes, they are described as an 'Ultimate Quick' recipe that takes minimal effort.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be minced before sautéing.
What is the preparation for the fat?
The bacon drippings or lard should be melted in the pan for sautéing.
What is the consistency of the finished dish?
The finished beans are rich, creamy, and can be adjusted for thickness.
Can I customize the spices?
Yes, you can personalize the dish with spices and adjust seasonings to your taste.
Is this a Mexican-inspired dish?
Yes, it is a Mexican culinary staple and is tagged as a Mexican dish.