How to Make Healthy Refried Beans

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By theriddlefam
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Make Healthy Refried Beans

In my constant search for ways to save money without completely compromising my family’s health, I concocted my own “refried” (not actually ever fried) beans recipe that I adapted from a couple other recipes. We’ve found it to be a winner in taste, health (homemade is fresher, thus more nutrient-dense) and frugality (it’s cheaper by far to make your own than to buy cans). A winning investment all around! I like to make this on cooler days because it simmers on the stove for about half a day which helps to warm the home and fills it with yummy smells. I then freeze it in freezer canning jars for later use.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

4 cups dried black or pinto beans
Warm filtered water
4 Tablespoons whey or lemon juice
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 chopped onion
3-4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 Anaheim or jalapeno pepper, chopped, or several drops of Tabasco sauce
1 Tablespoon sea salt

Step 1

Cover beans with filtered water. Stir in whey or lemon juice and leave in a warm place for 12-24 hours. (This starts the sprouting process and makes the beans even more nutritious and helps prevent them from becoming "the musical fruit."
Step 2

Drain, rinse, place in a large pot and add enough water to cover beans .
Step 3

Bring to a boil and skim off any foam. Reduce heat.
Step 4

Sauté onion, bell pepper, Anaheim chili, and garlic in olive oil or coconut oil. Add to beans.
Step 5

The beans will start to fall apart when they're done.

Simmer, covered, for 2-4 hours. Check occasionally and add water when necessary.
Step 6

Add sea salt, then use a potato masher or hand blender to mash to desired consistency. Freezes very well.

Tips & Warnings

If your beans are old, they will take longer to cook.
If your beans are too old they will never soften. It's time to make bean bags out of them and buy new ones to cook.
If you are in a hurry, just dump the chopped up raw garlic, onion, pepper, and chili and skip the sauté process.
You can cook this in a crock pot or slow cooker by adding the beans, water, sauté mix in it and cooking on low for 6-8 hours, then adding the salt and blending when cooked.

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