Don’t underestimate the power of refried beans! These creamy delights are more than just a taco topping. Head over to our website and discover a world of delicious recipes featuring refried beans as the star:
Recipes that use refried beans

1. What Are Refried Beans?

Refried beans are a popular dish in Mexican cuisine, and are often made with pinto beans. However, other varieties of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, may also be used in different regions of Mexico.

The name “refried beans” is a bit of a misnomer, as the beans are only fried once. The Spanish name of the dish, frijoles refritos, translates to “well-fried beans,” which is where the English name comes from.

Refried beans contain important nutrients like folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients are vital in energy production, red blood cell formation, bone health, and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

The beans are cooked and mashed until they form a thick paste, with the addition of flavourings such as garlic, chipotle, or jalapeño. Sometimes, the beans are further cooked in a frying pan with pork lard, but this is not always done. Vegetable oil is now more commonly used in Mexico. It is also possible to skip this step, which will result in healthier and vegan-friendly refried beans. If this is important to you, always check the packaging or the label before eating.

Recipes with Refried Beans

Refried beans can be nutritious, but the method of preparation and ingredients matter. Traditionally, refried beans are cooked with lard, which is high in saturated fat and calories. Nowadays, vegetable oil is often used instead, which is healthier.

You can also improve the nutritional profile of refried beans by using reduced salt and adding herbs, spices, and vegetables. It’s always best to check the label or make refried beans at home to control the ingredients.

1. Either use cooked canned beans or dried beans that you have soaked overnight and cooked as per the instructions on the back of the pack.
2. Chop very finely some or all of the following ingredients
   – Garlic
   – Onion
   – Fresh Green Chilli
   – Bell Pepper (red or yellow)
   – Tomatoes
3. Add a drizzle of olive oil in a saucepan and over medium heat cook the above-chopped ingredients. Cook for about five minutes until soft.
4. Add the cooked beans to the frying pan along with some/all/none of the below:

• Chilli Powder, you can use any of our Gran Luchito Fajita & Taco Mix blends
• Chipotle Paste

• Lime Juice

• Chopped Coriander

• Cumin

• Sea Salt

• Fried Chorizo/Lardons

5. With a potato masher, mash all the ingredients together until you get your desired consistency.
6. If you want the beans to be a little thinner, add a small amount of boiling water.
7. Remember to check for seasoning and serve warm.

Refried beans or frijoles refritos in Spanish, are a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine. These creamy, flavorful beans are far more than just a side dish. They’re incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways.

From classic burritos and enchiladas to creative dishes like nachos and tostadas, refried beans add a rich, satisfying element to any meal. Their creamy texture and mild flavour make them a perfect base for bolder ingredients, while their heartiness ensures you’ll feel satisfied.

Discover the endless possibilities of refried beans and elevate your Mexican cuisine!

For more check out: Recipes that use refried beans

Well, we are a little bit biased here. Our Chipotle Refried Beans are made in Mexico using a traditional recipe.

As we don’t fry them they are vegan and the chipotle adobo that we add gives them a nice smoky kick.

They are available across the UK in stores such as Tesco, Waitrose and Ocado as well as in Woolworths Australia and online with Amazon.