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Vegan refried beans in a black bowl with a spoon.
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5 from 2 votes

Vegan Refried Beans

These vegan refried beans are quick and easy and simply loaded with flavor. Perfect as a side dish or dip, or spread on your tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Ready in 25 minutes!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Vegan
Servings: 4
Calories: 256kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • ½ Medium Onion White, Yellow or Brown, Finely Chopped
  • 2 Cloves Garlic Crushed
  • ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  • teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
  • ½ teaspoon Cumin
  • 2 (15-ounce) Cans Pinto Beans Drained, or 3 cups Cooked Pinto Beans
  • ½ cup Water (120ml)
  • ¼ cup Cilantro Chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice Freshly Squeezed

Instructions

  • Heat a skillet or pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and chopped onions and sauté until the onions are softened.
  • Add crushed garlic, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes and cumin. Sauté with the onions for a minute until the spices are fragrant.
  • Add pinto beans and water and stir in.
  • Cover the pan and let them cook for 5 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low and remove the lid. Use a potato masher to mash up the beans until you reach the desired consistency - you can leave it chunky, or mash them very well for a smooth consistency.
  • Let the mashed beans cook for 2-3 minutes more, stirring regularly.
  • Remove from the heat and add chopped cilantro, sea salt and lime juice. Taste test and add more salt if needed. If it seems too dry, add a little water and mix in.
  • Keep them covered until you're ready to serve.

Notes

  1. Pinto beans - we used two 15-ounce cans of pinto beans (drained). If you don't want to use canned beans, then you can cook them yourself and use 3 cups of cooked pinto beans. 
  2. Red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper - adds flavor and a touch of heat, but it's just a touch. Feel free to omit them though if you don't want any heat at all.
  3. Storing: Keep them stored in a covered container in the fridge for 4-5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serve | Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 151mg | Potassium: 603mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 143IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 3mg