Low Sodium Refried Beans

OK, refried beans found commercially are awful sodium wise. But luckily these are so easy to make at home.

I'm giving you the basic recipe here, you can spice it up as you like. I will add my optional spices that I add to make it how I like it. This uses canned beans, but if you make your own, just add 1/4-1/2 cup water. And don't be afraid to use different beans. Kidney beans are also delicious in this recipe.

This whole thing has 110 mg of sodium.

Ingredients

• 1 15 oz can of pinto or kidney beans, do not drain

• 2 pieces of low sodium bacon

• 1 small onion finely diced

• 4 garlic cloves minced

OPTIONAL

• 1 1/2 tsp no salt added chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• Squeeze of lime juice

1. In a medium low frying pan, cook bacon, slowly rendering the fat. Remove bacon. You won't be using the actual bacon in this recipe, so feel to use it as a snack as you cook.

2. Add the onion and garlic to the pan with the bacon grease and cook until softened.

3. In a medium bowl, add beans, onion and garlic. Using a potato masher or immersion blend, mash the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.

4. Add optional spices if you'd like.