Discover the simple trick to transform ordinary canned beans into a delicious, restaurant-quality side dish in minutes

In the quest for quick and tasty home-cooked meals, canned beans are a pantry staple for many. However, despite their convenience, these canned goods often lack the flavour and texture of their restaurant counterparts. Rachel Perlmutter, a seasoned culinary producer at The Kitchn, shares her ingenious method for upgrading canned beans to restaurant quality, using ingredients likely already in your kitchen.

Growing up in Texas, a state renowned for its Tex-Mex cuisine, Perlmutter developed a deep appreciation for refried beans, often finding the canned versions to lack the rich taste and satisfying consistency of those served in restaurants. Her solution? A “semi-homemade” approach that infuses canned beans with bold flavours and a desirable texture, all within about 10 minutes.

The process begins with sautéing onions in your fat of choice—be it schmaltz, bacon fat, butter, or olive oil—until they’re fragrant and slightly crispy. Next, a can of beans, along with its liquid, is added to the pan. The inclusion of the starchy liquid is crucial, as it thickens the mixture, providing a base for the flavours to meld. A dash of taco seasoning, or alternative spices like garlic powder, cumin, and chilli powder, are added for that extra kick.

Once the beans are warmed through and beginning to thicken, they’re mashed directly in the pan. A final touch of apple cider vinegar is stirred in, enhancing the beans’ overall flavour profile. This method not only significantly improves the taste and texture of canned beans but also offers the flexibility to customize the dish to your liking.

Whether you’re serving them alongside steak fajitas, stuffing them into burritos, or simply enjoying them with cheese and tortilla chips, these semi-homemade refried beans promise to elevate your meal with minimal effort. So next time you reach for a can of beans in your pantry, remember this simple yet effective hack for a restaurant-style side that’s sure to impress.