Flavorful Fat Free Refried Beans

They are easy to make and irresistible. These are wonderful as a side or make them into a hearty meal by filling warm tortillas or burritos with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, scallions, and a scoop of salsa.

Instructions include both, stove top and crockpot methods. Check this link to learn more about dry beans and how to cook them.

Yield: about 7 cups cooked or equivalent to 4 cans (398 ml/14 oz)

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups dry pinto beans, (about 450 g/1 lb) soaked overnight
  • 8 cups water
  • 3 bay leaves or use ½ tsp bay leaf powder
  • 1 ½ cups onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can tomato paste (156 ml/5.5 oz)
  • 3 tsp chili powder
  • 3 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¾ tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp salt

Stove Top Instructions

  1. Discarding the soaking water is optional. (If you do, replace with another 8 cups of water). Put beans into a large pot. Add water, bay leaves, onions, and garlic. Bring to boil, cover and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until beans are very soft.
  2. Remove and reserve some of the cooking water. (Leave just enough water so the beans are almost covered). Remove the bay leaves and discard.
  3. While leaving some texture, mash beans with a potato masher or use an immersion blender.
  4. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt,and pepper then mix to combine. As desired, add back some of the cooking water to achieve desired consistency.
  5. Bring back to boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Keep in fridge and use within 4 to 5 days. Leftover beans will thicken up after chilled. These beans can also be frozen. Left over cooking water from the beans can be saved and used in soups.

Crockpot Instructions

  1. Add beans, water, bay leaves, onions, and garlic to crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
  2. Remove and reserve some of the cooking water. (Leave just enough water so the beans are almost covered). Remove the bay leaves and discard.
  3. While leaving some texture, mash beans with a potato masher or use an immersion blender.
  4. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt,and pepper then mix to combine. As desired, add back some of the cooking water to achieve desired consistency.
  5. Bring back to boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Keep in fridge and use within 4 to 5 days. Leftover beans will thicken up after chilled. These beans can also be frozen. Left over cooking water from the beans can be saved and used in soups.