Feijão Amassado Brasileiro (Uso do Dia a Dia)
Refried beans are a common preparation in Brazilian everyday cooking, especially as a way to reuse cooked beans from previous meals. Known in Brazil as feijão amassado or feijão refogado, this dish is not fried twice, despite the English name. Instead, cooked beans are mashed and gently sautéed with garlic and onion until creamy and flavorful.
This preparation is widely used as a side dish, a base for other meals, or even as a simple main when served with rice and eggs. Outside Brazil, refried beans are often associated with Mexican cuisine, but the Brazilian version is milder, less spiced, and relies on very few ingredients.
This recipe reflects how refried beans are commonly made in Brazilian home kitchens: practical, economical, and adaptable.
About this dish
In Brazil, beans are usually cooked in large batches and eaten over several days. As the beans thicken naturally in the refrigerator, they are often reheated and mashed to create a creamier texture. This method reduces waste and creates a comforting dish with minimal effort.
Unlike Mexican-style refried beans, Brazilian refried beans typically do not include cumin, chili powder, or heavy spices. The flavor comes mainly from garlic, onion, salt, and the natural starch of the beans themselves. Some households add a bit of the cooking liquid to control texture, while others prefer a thicker consistency.
Outside Brazil, this dish works well with canned beans or leftover cooked beans of any variety, making it an accessible option for everyday kitchens.
Before you start
This recipe assumes you already have cooked beans with their cooking liquid.
The goal is a texture that sits between soup and purée. Beans should be partially mashed, not blended smooth.
Black beans and pinto (carioca) beans are the most common choices and work equally well.
Is this the same as tutu de feijão?
No.
Tutu de feijão is thicker, often enriched with bacon or sausage, and traditionally thickened with flour.
Brazilian refried beans are simpler and lighter.
They may become a tutu-style dish if flour and additional fat are added, but that is a variation — not the base.
Ingredients prepared before cooking
Brazilian Refried Beans (Feijão Amassado)
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oil in a medium pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and lightly golden.
- Add the garlic and cook briefly, stirring to avoid burning.
- Add the cooked beans and a portion of the cooking liquid.
- Using a fork or potato masher, gently mash the beans directly in the pan.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the beans reach a creamy consistency. Add more liquid if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm.
Notes
- Do not blend the beans; texture should remain rustic.
- Thickness is adjustable — add liquid gradually if it becomes too dense.
- This base can later be enriched to become a simple tutu de feijão if desired.
- Best cooked gently to avoid sticking or drying out.
Equipment used
Affiliate links may be used. No additional cost to the reader.
How Brazilians usually serve this
Refried beans are most commonly served with white rice, grilled meats, eggs, or simple chicken dishes.
Some people spoon them over rice, others serve them on the side. Both are normal and unremarkable choices in Brazilian homes.
Storage & reheating
Keeps refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the texture.
Discover more
base recipes basic recipes beans beef brazilian base recipes brazilian basics brazilian beans brazilian classics brazilian fish brazilian food brazilian tomato sauce brazilian vegetables Chicken chicken recipes chicken stock coconut milk recipes comfort food cooking foundations cooking outside brazil easy recipes everyday cooking family meals fish stew ground beef home-style cooking home cooking meal prep moqueca one-pan meals one-pot meals pantry staples refried beans rice and beans rice dishes sautéed vegetables shredded chicken side dishes simple recipes simple sauces simple sides stroganoff sunday lunch tomato sauce vegetable dishes weeknight dinners
About The Brazilian Table
Practical Brazilian food, adapted for everyday kitchens outside Brazil.