Plant-Based Refried Beans (Vegan) - Traditional Plant-Based Cooking

Name: Plant-Based Refried Beans
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 720 grams mixed beans, cooked; 375 ml bean water; 2 tsp onion powder; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp smoky paprika (or 1 tsp + of chilli powder for an extra spicy refried beans.); 1 tbsp liquid aminos (try 2 tsp at first and add an extra if desired. Or use tamari soya sauce or regular soya sauce.); 1/2 vegan stock cube (or 1/2 tsp of vegan stock powder/paste); 25 grams nutritional yeast flakes ((about 6 tablespoons) add more or less to taste.); 2 tsp liquid smoke (I do recommend this addition as it adds so much flavour.)

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Plant-based vegan refried beans are one of the best delicious side-dishes so quick, easy and super flavourful. And incredibly good-for-you.

No oil or additional fat is required to prepare this recipe.

Refried beans are also great as a dip, spread, pate or for enriching buddha, taco or salad bowls.

Plant-based vegan refried beans in small white enamel bowl with blue rim, wooden spoon, and cooking skillet to side, all sitting on yellow tea towel.

Contrary to traditional refried beans these plant-based refried beans are low in cholesterol and saturated fats, and have no added salt, oil or fats.

Vegan refried beans are a savoury umami delicious bowl of plant-based goodness.

This recipe is so good that my son literally eats the beans by the bowlful. Which I am more than happy about as a serving of these beans provide an estimated 4mg iron and 18g protein. And as these beans have lots of fibre (16g per portion) they can help keep us full up for longer, something which is difficult to achieve with a teenage boy!

What are refried beans?

Refried beans originate in Mexico and have been around for about 100 years. They are also a traditional dish in many Latin American countries. As well as being a popular Tex-Mex dish.

Tex-Mex is a blend of Texan, from the Tejanos people of Texas who are descended from Hispanic settlers, and Mexico cuisine.

The ingredients for refried beans are slightly different depending on the region. But the basic preparation remains similar.

Contrary to the name refried beans are not actually fried twice. Which is what I always presumed.

Instead beans, commonly pinto, black or kidney beans, are cooked until soft then mashed, seasoned and fried in lard or oil.

For my vegan refried bean recipe I use whatever beans I have to hand such as kidney, pinto, black, chickpeas, haricot, cannellini, borlotti, etc.

Sometimes I use a single bean or a mix. I have even used a can of bean salad which had pieces of chopped pepper and sweetcorn and the result was delicious.

Recipe notes and FAQs

How do I store refried beans?

Store the beans in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Serve chilled or gently reheat in a pan, may need a little splash of liquid to avoid sticking to your pan.

These beans can also be frozen in a freezer-proof container for 4-6 months. Defrost at room temperature before storing in the fridge. Give the beans a good mix before using.

What can I add refried beans to?

Use refried beans as a base or spread for enchiladas, burritos, wraps, pitta breads, sandwiches, romaine lettuce wraps, etc.

Spread some refried beans on to whole-wheat crackers or use as a topping for my easy Scottish oatcakes.

Salads and buddha/taco bowls are delicious with a dollop of refried beans.

Top a veggie burger with some refried beans.

Prepare these fat-free easy delicious carrot-dogs and use refried beans as a topping.

Create a Tex-Mex inspired pizza. Either add little scoops to your finished pizza or sub out the tomato sauce base and use vegan refried beans instead
..

Prepare some refried bean quesadillas which is essentially a tortilla toastie. Add veggies and some plant-based cheese and cook on a non-stick pan until toasted.

Use refried beans as a dip for veggie sticks, bread sticks, homemade crispy tortilla chips, etc.

Refried beans can be the starter for a special meal. Use refried beans to replace pate. Serve the refried beans in little pots or tiny jars.

Add a scoop of refried beans to your favourite veggie chilli or campfire stew recipe for a flavour and nutrition boost.

Serve alongside this delicious Mexican rice casserole (with a cheesy nacho topping)

How do I reheat leftovers?

Leftover refried beans can be reheated in a pan, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until piping hot. Add a tablespoon or two of veggie stock if necessary to loosen up the sauce.

Alternatively refried beans are tasty chilled especially with crackers or no-oil cheesy Scottish oatcakes.

Are refried beans gluten-free?

Yes. This recipe can easily be prepared gluten-free. Simply ensure that your liquid aminos or soya sauce is gluten-free as well as the veggie stock used. Tamari soya sauce is generally gluten-free.

Can I add anything extra?

Yes. Some suggestions:

* cooked sweetcorn
* diced, cooked bell peppers
* cooked onions and/or garlic
* top with sautéed or fried onions
* cooked fine chopped mushrooms
* chopped spring/green onions scattered over finished dish
* pieces of cooked vegan bacon/sausages
* mix through roasted cherry tomatoes just before serving
* teaspoon or two of liquid smoke for a smoky flavour
* few drops of hot sauce
* sprinkle of grated vegan cheese
* top with grated vegan cheese and place under a grill to melt (in a heat-proof bowl)
* a swirl of vegan sour cream
* toss over some crushed tortilla chips/crisps
* garnish with chopped coriander

Can I substitute any of the ingredients?

* substitute the liquid aminos for soya sauce either regular or tamari soya sauce.
* any cooked bean or bean mix can be used for this recipe
* onion and/or garlic powder can be switched out for pre-cooked onion or garlic
* use regular paprika instead of smoky paprika
*switch out nutritional yeast for vegan grated cheese, although the flavour won't be as strong

Simple and quick method for preparing tasty vegan refried beans:

Simply add all the ingredients to a pan. Simmer and then give it all a good mashing. — **Add all ingredients to a pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes.**

**Give it all a good mashing.**

**Simmer for a few more minutes.**

vegan refried beans in a skillet with wooden spoon and yellow teatowel. — **Add all ingredients to a pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes.**

**Give it all a good mashing.**

**Simmer for a few more minutes.**

More tasty vegan side-dishes

World War 2 Vegan Champ A tasty economical British traditional mash of potatoes, carrots and cabbage. So yummy.

Vegan Traditional Scottish Skirlie A skillet/fry-pan dish prepared with pinhead oatmeal, onions, nutritional yeast, herbs and stock. No additional fat necessary for this recipe.

Vegan Rice-A-Roni A classic American rice and pasta dish that has been enriched with kidney beans and bell peppers. One of our all-time family favourites.