Low Sodium Vegetarian Refried Beans

Transform your mealtime with this wholesome and flavorful recipe for Low Sodium Vegetarian Refried Beans! Made from nutritious dried pinto beans, this heart-healthy dish skips the salt without skimping on taste, thanks to a delicious blend of aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika, plus a tangy splash of fresh lime juice. Slow-cooked to perfection and mashed to your desired consistency, these creamy beans are the perfect plant-based side or filling for tacos, burritos, and tostadas. Sautéed onions and garlic add depth, while unsalted vegetable broth keeps it light yet satisfying. Garnished with fresh cilantro, these refried beans are an irresistible addition to any meal—comforting, low in sodium, and packed with natural flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Dried pinto beans
• 6 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Fresh lime juice
• 0.5 cup Unsalted vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly under cool water and remove any debris.

Step 2

In a large pot, combine the rinsed beans with 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer. Cover and cook for 90 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.

Step 3

Once the beans are cooked, drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until soft and translucent.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the cooked beans to the skillet along with the reserved 1 cup of cooking liquid and 0.5 cup of unsalted vegetable broth.

Step 8

Use a potato masher or the back of a large spoon to mash the beans to your desired consistency. For creamier refried beans, use an immersion blender.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring frequently, to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.

Step 10

Stir in the fresh lime juice and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Remember to keep it low sodium by avoiding added salt.

Step 11

Serve warm, topped with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Enjoy as a side or in your favorite dishes like tacos, burritos, or tostadas.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2088.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	847.1

Total Fat 31.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 895.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 112.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.5g	0%
Total Sugars 7.0g
Protein 35.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 334.0mg	0%
Iron 10.6mg	0%
Potassium 1905.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.3%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 51.6%