First, before you say anything, I know “healthy” and “refried” are a contradiction in terms.
When I was growing up we rarely went out to dinner, but when we did it was to either Chi Chi’s or Tumbleweeds, two Mexican restaurants in Louisville, KY that both served delicious refried beans (at least to my 10 year-old palette they were delicious). Refried beans are one of those particularly yummy Mexican inventions that are great on their own, in a burrito, served with rice and the list goes on. Yet they are anything but healthy.
Most refried bean recipes consist of a smooth puree of pinto beans mixed with tons of lard to made them creamy. Just the thought of lard makes me want to gag, but I do love the taste of those creamy beans. I came up with this healthier version so Kenya and Chloe don’t have to miss out entirely on my great food memory. This twist on refried beans retain the soft and creamy texture of the original and are also a perfect puree for babies. And toddlers, big kids, Mommy and Daddy, too!
Healthy “Refried” Beans
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 garlic cloves chopped
- 14 ounce can pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons hot water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a small heavy bottomed pot.
- Saute the onions for 5 minutes or until translucent. Add the garlic and cook another minute.
- Add the pinto beans and salt to the onions and mash with a potato masher or fork.
- Add water, stir and cook until heat through.
- Serve.
Notes
- *Allow to cool, place in appropriate tupperware or ziploc bag and freeze up to 4 months. When ready, defrost in a pot up under low-medium heat until heated through or defrost in fridge for 24 hours.
[…] 23. Healthy “Refried” Beans […]
Oh, these are YUM!!!!! (Made them along with your enchiladas!)
I make “refrained” beans like this: sort and wash my beans, chop an onion, add 3 cloves chopped garlic, and two bay leaves. Cover with two inches of water and cook for 2-3 hours until tender. Remove bay leaves and season to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Blend using an immersion blender until smooth and they look like refried beans. Delicious and no fat added!
Yes, I think they would work beautifully because they are a softer/mealy bean!
Would this work with black eyed peas?
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