These are the best refried beans because they are faster and easier to make, healthier, gluten-free, and have more flavor than the traditional version.
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Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Easiest Refried Beans Recipe
These are the best refried beans because they are faster and easier to make, healthier, and have more flavor than the traditional version. Traditional refried beans are not actually fried and then refried as the name implies. They are cooked, mashed and then fried, usually in lard. This recipe is not refried or even fried, and there is no lard.
This recipe is easy because the beans are cooked in an Instant Pot. They are cooked and then mashed. We use an immersion blender right in the bowl they will be served in, along with the salt, hot sauce, and garlic olive oil and garlic confit. There is no frying at all, just blend and serve. They can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated in a heat proof dish and then reheated, blended, and served all in the same dish.
Healthier
This recipe is healthier because homemade garlic olive oil and garlic confit are added instead of frying the beans in lard, so the oil is much more heart healthy. Since it is garlic olive oil, it is much more flavorful than olive oil, and it has a flavor that is much more appropriate for Mexican food. We make the garlic olive oil and garlic confit and always have it on hand. And besides being healthier, this is also a sustainable recipe, so eating this way is helping to save the planet.
More Flavor
We start with Ayocote Negro beans from The Ranch Gordo-Xoxoc Project. Beans that are loaded with flavor.
Variations
We vary this recipe with different beans and with different sauces and spices. Chipotle sauce or smoked salt, like smoke salt crystal flakes from Falksalt add a smoky flavor which works well in refried beans.
RECIPE
Equipment
- immersion blender
CHOOSING BRANDS:
For certain products, the choice of brand will make a big difference in the outcome of the recipe and in your carbon footprint. So, for those products, we have listed the brand. We are not paid to mention a brand and have no affiliates.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rancho Gordo Ayocote Negro beans soaked overnight
- 4 cups filtered water
- 2 Teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 4 Tablespoons garlic olive oil and garlic confit
- 1 Tablespoon Sriracha or other hot sauce
Instructions
- Check the beans for debris by pouring them onto a white plate. Put the beans in a medium sized bowl and cover with enough water that it is an inch deeper than the beans. Allow to soak for four hours or overnight.
- Drain the beans and rinse. Put the beans in the Instant Pot and add 4 cups filtered water. Use the Instant Pot default setting for beans which will pressure cooking on high for 20 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes before opening.
- Drain off most of the water. Put the beans into medium sized mixing bowl.
- Add salt, garlic olive oil and garlic confit, siracha or other spices and use the immersion blender to blend it. Add water if needed. Salt to taste and serve.
Nutrition
WHY THIS RECIPE IS A GAME CHANGER:
This recipe is a total game-changer — crafted with the finest [brand name] ingredients, simplified using a master recipe with pro-tested techniques from top chefs and bakers, and designed for deliciously sustainable cooking made easy.”
True to The Master Pantry philosophy, this recipe combines the best seasonal ingredients and quality brands with homemade methods to maximize both flavor and sustainability. It was inspired by our travels and works well as a holiday recipe.
Photos by Tony Fitzgerald Photography
Recipes created by Lisa LeCoump — Food Photographer, Agricultural Expert, and Home Baker. Sharing master recipes, chef secrets, and sustainable baking for every kitchen.