Refried beans

Refried beans, or frijoles refritos, are a staple Mexican dish made by mashing and frying cooked pinto beans (or sometimes black beans) in lard or oil with onions and garlic. The name is a bit of a misnomer, as the beans are typically cooked and then fried only once, not re-fried. They are a creamy, savory side dish or filling found throughout Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is a good source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, making it filling and supportive of digestive health. A typical half-cup serving contains roughly 120-150 calories, with the fat content varying significantly depending on the amount of lard or oil used in preparation.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	210 kcal
Protein	12 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	5 g
Fiber	10 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	500 mg
Potassium	400 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Magnesium	80 mg
Phosphorus	200 mg
Folate	250 mcg
Thiamin (B1)	0.3 mg
Niacin (B3)	1.5 mg
Zinc	1.5 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, frijoles refritos are a cornerstone of Mexican home cooking, often transformed from leftover beans into a new, flavorful dish. Nutritionally, the cooking process increases the bioavailability of certain nutrients, and the combination of beans with a small amount of fat can help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins.