How to ensure the pinto beans become soft?

To ensure your pinto beans become soft, add the sea salt only after they have cooked for about an hour and are already tender, as adding it too early can keep them tough.

What kind of chilies can I use for flavor?

You can use two whole dried chilies like New Mexico or ancho for a mild flavor, or two habanero or ten arbol chilies for a hot version, all added at the beginning of cooking.

Why is epazote an optional ingredient in these refried beans?

Epazote is an optional herb that adds a distinctive, authentic Mexican flavor to the beans, and you can include two leaves during the initial cooking process.

How much water should I use for cooking the dried pinto beans?

Start with 12 cups of filtered water for 4 cups of dried pinto beans, and have an additional 4-6 cups on hand in case the beans need more liquid during cooking.

Can I adjust the consistency of the mashed beans?

Yes, after mashing with olive oil, if the beans are too runny, you can cook them for a bit longer to thicken them to your desired consistency.

7 years ago

Simple Homemade Refried Beans
[Vegan]

Name: Simple Homemade Refried Beans [Vegan]
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 10-12
Ingredients: 4 Cups Dried Pinto Beans; 12 Cups Filtered Water plus about 4 – 6 more cups; 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 1/2 White Onion; 6 – 8 Cloves Garlic; 2 whole dried chilies like new Mexico or ancho for mild or 2 habanero or 10 arbol for hot (optional); 2 Leaves Epazote (optional); 1 to 2 Tablespoons Sea Salt

SM By: Stephanie McKinnie

Author Bio

Stephanie has been into healthy vegetarian and vegan ways of cooking ever since she was... Read More

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A bowl of creamy, rustic homemade vegan refried pinto beans, mashed with olive oil, with some whole beans visible, ready to be served.

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Beans - All

Simple Homemade Refried Beans [Vegan]

10-12

Dairy Free

There is nothing better than homemade beans. They are wonderful whole or mashed! Not only are they delicious but they are extremely healthy. Make a big batch to last the week!

Ingredients You Need for Simple Homemade Refried Beans [Vegan]

4 Cups Dried Pinto Beans
12 Cups Filtered Water plus about 4 – 6 more cups
1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 White Onion
6 – 8 Cloves Garlic
2 whole dried chilies like new Mexico or ancho for mild or 2 habanero or 10 arbol for hot (optional)
2 Leaves Epazote (optional)
1 to 2 Tablespoons Sea Salt

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How to Prepare Simple Homemade Refried Beans [Vegan]

In a 5 1/2 quart pot, add a small hand full of beans in the pot one at a time, making sure there are no rocks. Then rinse the beans and add the water, garlic, epazote, onion and chilies.
Bring to a boil over medium heat then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for about an hour or until the beans are soft.Add the salt AT THE END or the beans may stay tough.
Taste to see if they are soft. When they are soft add the salt and let cook for 5 or so minutes to infuse salt. It depends on how old the beans are as to how long it will take to cook, older beans will take longer. Remove the chiles and epazote.
Scoop out the amount of beans you want, leaving the water, add olive oil to the beans then mash with a potato masher, some may like to leave some of the beans whole.
When the beans thicken, up they are ready. (if you feel they are too runny, cook for a bit longer).

Notes

If you have a problem with gas you can either soak the beans overnight or bring the beans to a boil then turn off and cover for 1 to 2 hours then drain the water and add fresh water, garlic, and peppers. Follow above directions for the rest.