Refried Bean Dip

This refried bean dip recipe is a classic and versatile option for serving with tortilla chips or a variety of other foods. With its creamy texture and delicious flavors, it can be enjoyed as a dip with raw vegetables, tofu cubes, pita, toast, or crackers. If you don’t have Real Refried Beans on hand, you can use lightly mashed cooked pinto or other beans and adjust the seasoning accordingly. The recipe also provides variations to customize the dip according to your preferences.

Makes: At least 8 servings

TIME: 10 minutes with precooked beans

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 recipe Real Refried Beans
• About 1 cup bean-cooking liquid or vegetable stock (or as needed)
• 1/2 cup minced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1/2 cup peeled, seeded, and diced tomato (optional)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh chile (such as jalapeño or Thai) or cayenne/hot sauce (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar or other vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start by preparing the Real Refried Beans according to the recipe on page 418. Set aside 1 cup of the beans for later use.
2. Place the remaining beans in a food processor or blender. Add enough bean-cooking liquid or vegetable stock to start the pureeing process.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the pureed beans with the mashed beans from step 1.
4. Stir in the minced red bell pepper, minced onion, diced tomato (if using), minced chile, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
5. Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the consistency is too thick, you can thin it out with more bean-cooking liquid or vegetable stock.
6. Serve the refried bean dip immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. If refrigerated, make sure to bring it to room temperature or gently reheat before serving.

VARIATIONS:

• Fast Bean Dip: Save time and chopping by using prepared salsa. Replace the minced red bell pepper, minced onion, diced tomato, minced chile, and vinegar with 1 1/2 cups of Fresh Tomato or Fruit Salsa or Fresh Tomatillo Salsa.
• Creamy Bean Dip: For a richer dip, substitute sour cream for the bean-cooking liquid or vegetable stock. Alternatively, use yogurt for a tangy and lower-fat dip.
• Cheesy Bean Dip: Add an extra layer of flavor by incorporating grated cheese. Use easy-melting cheeses like cotija, cheddar, or Monterey Jack. After completing Step 1, gently heat the beans over low heat and stir in approximately 3/4 cup of grated cheese until melted. Serve the cheesy bean dip hot or warm.

Enjoy this classic refried bean dip with its creamy texture and customizable flavors as a delicious accompaniment to your favorite dippables.