Creamy Crock Pot Low-Fat Refried Pinto Beans
Transform your mealtime with these delicious, creamy, and low-fat refried pinto beans made effortlessly in a Crock Pot. This wholesome family favorite skips the can, using fresh dried beans instead, ensuring a rich flavor and a healthy option packed with protein and fiber. Seasoned with a delightful blend of spices, these customizable beans can be kept whole for a chunky texture or blended for a smooth consistency according to your preference. Perfect as a side dish, in burritos, or scooped up with tortilla chips, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping your meals nutritious. Say goodbye to store-bought refried beans and enjoy the simple homemade goodness that everyone in your family will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried pinto beans
8 ounces (soaked overnight and rinsed)
Yellow or white onion
1/4 (finely chopped)
Cumin
1 teaspoon
Garlic powder
2 teaspoons
Chili powder
1 teaspoon
Salt
2 teaspoons
Red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Soak the dried pinto beans overnight or for at least 8 hours. Discard any floating or cracked beans before rinsing.
2
Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold running water to clean them.
3
Place the rinsed beans in the Crock Pot and cover them with water until there's about 1 inch of water above the beans.
4
Add approximately 1 tablespoon of salt, adjusting to taste, as well as 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and chili powder.
5
Sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons of cumin and the red pepper flakes over the beans for an extra kick.
6
Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or until the beans are tender and cooked through.
7
When beans are done, scoop out a portion into a Cuisinart or blender. Add a bit of the cooking water to help blend, then pulse until you reach your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend less.
8
Return the blended beans to the Crock Pot and stir to combine with the remaining cooked beans. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in this recipe?
The main ingredient is 8 ounces of dried pinto beans.
How long should I soak the pinto beans?
The dried pinto beans should be soaked overnight or for at least 8 hours.
What should I do with floating beans during the soak?
You should discard any floating or cracked beans before rinsing and cooking.
How much water should I add to the Crock Pot?
Cover the beans with water until there is about 1 inch of water above the beans.
What setting should I use on the Crock Pot?
The beans should be cooked on the low heat setting.
How long does it take to cook the beans?
The beans cook for 4 to 6 hours, or until they are tender and cooked through.
What spices are used to flavor these beans?
The beans are flavored with cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, these refried pinto beans are naturally gluten-free.
How do I make the beans creamy?
Scoop out a portion of the cooked beans into a blender or Cuisinart with a bit of cooking water and pulse until smooth.
Can I control the texture of the beans?
Yes, you can blend less for a chunky texture or pulse more for a smooth consistency.
What type of onion should I use?
You can use 1/4 of a yellow or white onion, finely chopped.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for approximately 2 teaspoons of salt, though you can adjust this to taste.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
How much chili powder is included?
Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder to the Crock Pot.
Is there a spicy element in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes is added for an extra kick.
How much cumin is added to the beans?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of cumin.
What is the benefit of using dried beans over canned?
Using fresh dried beans ensures a rich flavor and a healthy option packed with protein and fiber without preservatives.
Can these beans be used as a side dish?
Yes, they are perfect as a side dish, especially for Mexican-inspired meals.
Are these beans good for burritos?
Absolutely, they are an excellent filling for burritos.
Is this a low-fat recipe?
Yes, this recipe is a low-fat alternative to traditional refried beans that often use lard or oil.
What equipment do I need for blending?
You can use a Cuisinart or a standard blender to reach your desired bean consistency.
Should I rinse the beans after soaking?
Yes, rinse the beans thoroughly under cold running water after they have soaked.
How much onion do I need?
You need 1/4 of an onion, finely chopped.
Can I adjust the seasonings after cooking?
Yes, once you return the blended beans to the pot, you should taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Are these beans high in fiber?
Yes, pinto beans are a wholesome source of fiber and protein.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is a nutritious and delicious family favorite that replaces store-bought canned beans.
What do I do with the cooking liquid?
You should use a bit of the cooking liquid during the blending process to help achieve a creamy texture.
How do I serve these beans?
You can serve them as a side, in burritos, or scooped up with tortilla chips.
Can I make these beans ahead of time?
Yes, these beans hold up well and can be kept in the Crock Pot to stay warm before serving.