Name: Mexican Bean Paste
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: Mexican

Jule’s Menu Verified

January 29, 2026

This simple Mexican bean paste is quick to make with just a few ingredients like black beans, garlic, shallot, and tomato paste. Creamy and flavorful, it’s perfect for burritos, quesadillas, bowls, or as a side with rice and meat. Optional jalapeño or chipotle adds spice, while its fiber and protein make it a nutritious, budget-friendly addition to any meal.

From the Cook

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Mexican Bean Paste

Jule’s Menu Verified

Ingredients

WarningSulphites allergen identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Peel and finely dice the garlic and shallot. (Optionally, halve the jalapeño chili and cut into thin strips).

Drain the beans and rinse them thoroughly in a colander.

Heat canola oil in a pan, add the diced shallots and garlic (and possibly the jalapeño) and sauté with a pinch of salt until translucent.

Once the shallots are slightly translucent, add the tomato paste and sauté briefly. Then add the beans to the pan, sauté for 20 to 30 seconds, and then deglaze with water.

Simmer the beans over medium-high heat until almost all the water has evaporated. Then mash the beans with a wooden spoon or a potato masher.

Season the bean paste with salt, pepper, and the juice of half to one lime. Serve immediately, or transfer to an airtight container or jar and store in the refrigerator for up to five days.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Bean Softening Secret 💧
Soak black beans overnight or use a quick-boil method to ensure maximum creaminess and reduce cooking time by up to 40%.
Flavor Layering Technique 🌶️
Toast the chipotle chili flakes and garlic in oil for 30-45 seconds before adding other ingredients to unlock deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
Texture Perfection Hack 🥄
Use an immersion blender or food processor and pulse in short bursts to control consistency - leaving some beans slightly intact creates a more authentic, rustic texture.
Acid Balance Trick 🍋
Add lime juice at the very end of cooking to brighten flavors and prevent the acids from breaking down the bean structure during prolonged cooking.
Spice Control Method 🔥
Roast jalapeños before adding to control heat intensity and develop a more complex, smoky undertone in the bean paste.

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About the Cook

Jule’s Menu

Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and author behind Jules’ Menu. I’ve spent the last eight years perfecting healthy everyday recipes so they strike the perfect balance between healthy and nourishing, simple and practical, and gourmet-level delicious.