Fat Free Refried Beans – Just scrape

These fat-free “Refried” beans are healthy, tasty and super easy to make! All you need is a can of pinto beans and a handful of spices, and in under 20 minutes you’ll have creamy, delicious, better-for-you beans. Makes about 1-1/4 cups and makes 4 to 5.

Easy ✔️

Healthy ✔️

Yummy ✔️

I created this recipe back in 2019 when I wanted creamy bean puree but without the added calories of fat. Since then I’ve made these hundreds of times. We use them as a glue in our double-decker tacos, on top of nachos, and they’re also great sprinkled with cheese and eaten as a dip!

To prepare this fat-free bean puree, you will need:

• pinto beans (Canned) – Reserve 1/3 cup of the bean liquids.
• ground cumin – Imparts earthiness and warmth with a hint of citrus.
• garlic powder – Adds flavor that’s sweeter yet milder than fresh garlic.
• onion powder – Gives a strong onion flavor.
• coriander (Floor) – Imparts a citrus flavor with a slight sweetness and a subtle hint of earthiness.
• kosher salt – Enhances all flavors in the recipe.

In a small saucepan or skillet, add the drained beans and 1/3 cup reserved bean liquid. Then measure out 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon and add both ground coriander and kosher salt.

Stir to combine. Bring this to a boil, reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.

Mash by hand with a potato masher or Allow the beans to cool slightly before placing them in a mini food processor.

Pulse until smooth or desired consistency is achieved. Taste and add more salt if you like. Return to pan to keep warm over low heat.

How to store homemade bean puree:

Allow any leftover refried beans to cool completely before transferring to a container with an airtight lid and storing in the refrigerator.

How long do homemade bean curd last?

If stored properly, they should last 3 to 4 days.

Refried Bean Recipe Variations:

• slightly sharp – For mild heat, add some (preserved) diced green chilies.
• sharp – For more heat, fry a small diced jalapeño (also seeds and ribs) in the pan before adding the beans and spices.
• smoky and spicy – Stir in 1 small diced chipotle pepper or 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon ground chipotle powder.
• cheesy – Once blended, return to the saucepan and stir in 1/4 to 1/3 cup cheddar jack, Monterey jack, or pepper jack cheese. Really any cheese you prefer!
• Cilantro Lime – Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro and some lime zest and juice after pureeing.