Refried beans are such a staple Mexican food and I love how every home makes it their own way. This is how I used to make it back in India and it’s my favorite way. I use Red Kidney beans to make it because of the flavor and texture. I like to keep some beans whole and mash some to give it a bite. Adding sour cream and hot sauce adds this flavor to it that takes it to the next level. This is so easy to make and so much better than using canned refried beans. You must try it and see for yourself!

Happy Cooking!

Servings: 8-10 servings

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cooking Time: 20-25mins

Cooling Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

Ingredients: 

• 30 oz red kidney beans canned

• 1 tbsp butter/ neutral oil

• 3-4 garlic cloves minced

• 1 tsp salt as per taste

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1.5 tsp cumin powder

• 1/4 tsp sugar

• 0.5 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp red chili flakes

• 1/4 cup water

• 2 tbsp sour cream (use vegan to make it vegan)

• 2 tbsp hot sauce

Directions: 

1. Open red kidney beans and do not drain all the liquid. Keep about half of the liquid.

2. In a pan add butter and garlic. Cook it for 5 mins.

3. Add salt, pepper, cumin powder, garlic powder and red chili flakes and mix.

4. Add kidney beans and cook it for 5-6 mins. Start mashing the beans.

5. Add sour cream and hot sauce and mix. Add about 3-4 tbsp of water and mix.

6. Keep cooking it while mashing some of it as you go. Cook for about 10-15 mins. Add sugar and mix.

7. Cook it as it thickens. If you like it thicker you can mash more beans. If you like it more runny, add water.

8. Once its come together to the consistency you like, let it cool for at least 20 mins.

9. Top with cilantro and serve with chips or nachos etc.

Notes/ Tips:

• Make sure to smash some beans down as you cook.

• Keep half of the liquid of the canned beans, it adds flavor to it.

• These beans taste better the next day.

• You can keep it the fridge for a week in an airtight container.

• Freeze it for up to 2 months.

• You can use dried kidney beans. Soak them for a few hours and boil them till soft. Save some of the water you boiled it in.

• This tastes great as a filling or as a side.