Black Bean Hidden Refried Beans with Cumin

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy refried beans with blended black beans creating a smooth texture, revealing hidden cumin and garlic notes. This mexican-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs canned black beans, cumin seeds, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and rinse black beans, then reserve 1/4 cup of liquid. Place 1 can of beans in a food processor with cumin seeds, minced garlic, and 1/4 cup reserved bean liquid, and blend until completely smooth (3-4 minutes).
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the blended bean mixture and vegetable broth, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes thick and creamy (about 8 minutes).
  3. Step 3: Stir in lime juice and chili powder, then add the second can of beans (undrained) and cook for 5 minutes until heated through and the beans retain their shape but are softened.
  4. Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed; the cumin should be noticeable but not overpowering.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Black Bean Hidden Refried Beans with Cumin take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Black Bean Hidden Refried Beans with Cumin?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep canned black beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Black Bean Hidden Refried Beans with Cumin?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Black Bean Hidden Refried Beans with Cumin for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Black Bean Hidden Refried Beans with Cumin vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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