Refried Frijoles Negros Recipe
Creamy refried beans are a delicious side dish as well as great for dipping corn chips into. My refried frijoles negros recipe, or refried black beans, is so easy to make that they’ll become one of your staples.
Refried Frijoles Negros
I recently published my recipe for making frijoles negros, and so many of you requested that I share how to make refried beans using them.
So I’m happy to share this new recipe with you.
If you’re only used to eating refried beans using pinto beans, then I think you’ll also appreciate the variety that these refried black beans will add to your menus.
To be honest, I don’t make my refried frijoles negros all that different than the pintos. I feel that both varieties are most delicious when we don’t complicate the added ingredients list. After all it’s best to let their natural delicious flavors shine.
But if you’re someone that loves adding additional flavors then make sure to read the notes in the ingredients section.
Are Refried Beans Vegan
It depends!
What depends is who is making them.
Traditionally frijoles refritos are made with lard. So be very aware of this when eating out or are invited to a very traditional meal.
The best way to be sure that no animal products are used in your refried beans, then make them yourself.
Many canned brands are vegan, so read the labels. If you’re at a restuarant ask what fat was used to cook them. The Spanish word for lard is “manteca” and oil is “aceite“.
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What to Eat With Refried Black Beans
You can eat all of the same things you would with refried pinto beans or other varieties.
They are a wonderful protein packed side dish, appetizer or dip. But also make a scrumptious filling for tacos, gorditas, and burritos.
Refried beans, of course, are a must for making Molletes!
I love to top my sopes and smear some on a bolillo when I make tortas.
Oh and let’s not forget that you can also use refried beans to make the sauce for enfrijoladas.
If you just want a simple main dish idea for refried black beans, pair them with arroz Mexicano and some grilled veggies for a complete meal. Don’t forget a good salsa too!
Ingredients Needed
- homemade cooked black beans (try my recipe)
- onion, garlic, epazote from cooked beans*
- bean broth
- olive oil (or oil of choice)
- chiles de arbol
- salt
When I cook beans I always save the vegetables I add to it to fry them when making refried beans. You can always add more if you’d like.
Again, I save the bean broth from cooking my own beans. If you didn’t then you can use low-sodium vegetable broth or water in a pinch.
Chiles de arbol will give your frijoles refritos a touch of heat. You can omit or substitute with a milder jalapeño pepper if desired.
Other Ingredients
I don’t personally add additional ingredients or spices when I make refried beans. This is so I can have them as a base to add to for whatever I’m cooking the rest of the week.
If you’d like you can sauté some vegan chorizo before adding and mashing the beans. You could even add some cheese too.
Spices like ground cumin are also popular with some people.
Canned Refried Beans
If you are in a rush and don’t have time to boil your own frijoles negros, then you can use canned beans instead. Drain and rinse before using. Follow the rest of the instructions the same.
How to Make Refried Black Beans
This process is just like making refried pinto beans. Easy peasy!
- Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the chiles the arbol, if using, and fry 1 minute before removing or setting aside.
- Pour in the cooked beans very carefully because oil will splash up!
- Begin mashing with your potato masher.
- Pour in bean broth as needed to help you reach the creamy consistency desired.
- Salt to taste. You can also add back the fried chile the arbol now, either whole or cut up.
- Taste (careful it’s hot!) and adjust salt if desired.
- Serve!
Remember that I said I use the onion and garlic that were used to boil the beans. If you don’t have them then you can sauté finely chopped 1/2 a small white onion and a couple minced garlic cloves. Add them before adding the beans for mashing.
How Long do Refried Beans Last in The Fridge
Generally they will not last more than 3 to four days.
You’ll know they’ve gone bad because they’ll release quite the foul smell.
So make sure to eat your beans as soon as possible.
Can You Freeze Refried Beans
Yes you can!
I actually freeze both boiled whole beans and refried beans all the time.
To freeze pour them into freezer safe containers or a Ziploc bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to use them you can defrost in the fridge overnight or leave them on the counter until they begin to soften. You can defrost the rest of the way in pan or in the microwave in a safe bowl.
How to Reheat Refried Beans
To reheat leftovers you can pour them into a large pan and cook for about 8 minutes or until heated trough.
Alternatively you can place them in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 2 minutes, stir then heat another 1 to 2 minutes.
Beans splatter, so save yourself the mess by covering the bowl with a paper towel or a microwave cover!
Refried Frijoles Negros Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cup cooked black beans try my recipe
- onion garlic, epazote from cooked beans*
- bean broth
- 1.5 Tablespoons olive oil (or oil of choice)
- 2 chiles de arbol
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the chiles the arbol, if using, and fry 1 minute before removing or setting aside.
- Pour in the cooked beans very carefully because oil will splash up!
- Begin mashing with your potato masher.
- Pour in bean broth as needed to help you reach the creamy consistency desired.
- Salt to taste. You can also add back the fried chile the arbol now, either whole or cut up.
- Taste (careful it’s hot!) and adjust salt if desired.
- Serve!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nancy Lopez is a food blogger and author of the cookbook Mexican Tamales Made Meatless. Born in Mexico, raised in the US, and currently living in Southern Mexico, she has followed a meatless diet for almost 10 years. It is her passion and mission to share all she has learned about vegan Mexican cooking and vegetarian Mexican recipes. Mexican Made Meatless is a blog dedicated to preserving the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine just without the meat. It’s a place to celebrate Mexican culture and all it’s delightfully delicious traditional foods. Read more…
