Refried White Beans with Cilantro

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

Creamy, aromatic refried beans seasoned with fresh cilantro and garlic, offering a simple yet deeply flavorful vegetarian side dish. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes pairs white beans, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add drained white beans (1 can, 15 oz), 1/4 tsp cumin, and 1/4 tsp salt to the saucepan. Mash beans with a potato masher until smooth, adding 2 tbsp water to adjust consistency, for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro and cook 1 more minute. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Refried White Beans with Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Refried White Beans with Cilantro?

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 white beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Refried White Beans with Cilantro?

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 Refried White Beans with Cilantro 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 Refried White Beans with Cilantro 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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