Black beans mashed and fried until silky smooth, a staple of southern Mexican cooking. This vegetarian, protein-rich side supports healthy family meals with fiber and clean eats.
Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves; set both aside in separate bowls.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Add the diced onion with a pinch of salt, sautéing for 5–6 minutes until translucent and lightly golden.
Stir in the minced garlic and ground cumin; cook while stirring for 1 minute, keeping the heat at medium to avoid burning.
Add the cooked black beans, ½ cup water, kosher salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and mash the beans with a potato masher or spatula, letting them simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until creamy and thickened, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Continue cooking for an extra 3–5 minutes on low heat for silkier texture, adding a splash more water if needed for creamier beans.