Refried Black Beans: Dubbed “World Famous Black Beans,” this recipe amplifies the humble black bean into the Tex-Mex side dish of your dreams.
World Famous Black Beans? Really? Well, why not?
My friend Elly at Elly Says Opa! created this black bean recipe ages ago and before making it, I had only heard rave reviews about it. And folks, those reviews are justified!
These black beans really are quite fabulous and they are super easy to put together since they’ll cook in about 15 minutes on the stove top. I was able to throw them together while I was waiting for my favorite chicken enchiladas to bake up in the oven and cilantro lime rice to simmer on the stove.
Unlike the black beans served in Mexican/Tex-Mex restaurants, you’ll have control over the texture of the beans. I prefer my beans to be more on the mashed side, like these refried beans with bacon, but you can definitely mash them less and leave more whole beans – it’s up to you. Less mashed beans would give you a great hearty texture, like what this black bean skillet dinner gives you.
As far as the flavor goes, shall I venture to say they were world-famous worthy? All of my favorite flavors of cumin, chili powder, and cilantro combine with my favorite Mexican food add-in (the black beans) to make the this a star side dish that I’ll continue to make over and over.
And with Cinco de Mayo now just over two weeks away, you can bet that these beans will be on my menu that night!
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Elly’s World Famous Black Beans
source: adapted from Elly Says Opa!
2 tsp canola oil
1/4 cup diced onion
1 fat clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 can (15 1/2 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 – 2/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 tsp chili powder
3/4 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp oregano
Juice of 1/2 lime
Sliced scallions and/or chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Heat a medium skillet over medium heat, and add the canola oil. Once shimmering, cook the onion until translucent. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and bay leaf until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste has cooked off a bit, about 30-60 seconds.
Add the beans to the pan and using a wooden spatula, smash about half of the beans. Stir in the chicken broth (start with 1/2 cup and you can always add a little more if necessary), chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and most of the broth has been absorbed, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in lime juice and season to taste with salt and pepper as needed.
If desired, sprinkle with scallions and/or cilantro.
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Refried Black Beans
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 15min
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
2 tsp canola oil
¼ cup diced onion
1 fat clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 can (15.5 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
½ – 2/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth
¼ tsp chili powder
¾ tsp cumin
½ tsp oregano
Juice of ½ lime
Sliced scallions and/or chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
01
Heat a medium skillet over medium heat, and add the canola oil. Once shimmering, cook the onion until translucent. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and bay leaf until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste has cooked off a bit, about 30-60 seconds.
-
02
Add the beans to the pan and using a wooden spatula, smash about half of the beans. Stir in the chicken broth (start with ½ cup and you can always add a little more if necessary), chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and most of the broth has been absorbed, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in lime juice and season to taste with salt and pepper as needed.
If desired, sprinkle with scallions and/or cilantro.
adapted from Elly Says Opa!
I cannot wait to try these. I love that they can be made 100% vegetarian. Thank you!
Been looking for a good black bean recipe. Love Elly!
Tara, this sounds wonderful!
I heard about this recipe, they are really world famous:) I sometimes cook black beans in a similar way, its awesome
So glad you liked them, Tara. They look fantastic. As do those chicken enchiladas. *droooool*
You don’t specify the size of the can of black beans. A standard 15.5/16oz can? Thanks
Chris: yes – a standard size can – 15.5/16.5oz. I’d love to find a larger can since I use them so often but haven’t seen them anywhere!
World famous? In that case, I must try it out and see what my family thinks! Either way, it sounds like a great side dish. I’m wondering if it could be used with nachos as a dip/salsa?
Linda: I think if you mash them and thin them out with enough chicken/veggie broth, you could make them dippable. Or if you mash them, you could also use them as a layer on the nachos – like refried beans.
Black beans are my favorite beans. They are so versatile.
I left you an award at my blog.
These look fabulous! What a great side for enchiladas, fish tacos, chimichangas, or any Mexican dish, YUM!
How much does this make/ serve for side dish?
It should served 3-4 (but probably closer to 3).
Tara, I made these fabulous beans recently (and posted, of course!). They were SO yummy–thanks as always for the inspiration!