Step 1

In a medium saucepan, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion flakes and stir occasionally until they begin to get fragrant (around 2 minutes). Don’t let them burn! You want to bring out the flavor, but if you let them get scorched you’ll have a carbon flavor in your beans.

Step 2

Add chili powder and cumin. Stir for about 30-60 seconds. Then pour in drained beans and water. Stir mixture, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 3

Now uncover and use a potato masher to mash about 75% of the beans are smooth. (Tweak based on your desired consistency.) Continue to cook beans, uncovered, for 3 additional minutes. You’ll want to stir frequently during this stage.

Step 4

Remove pan from heat and stir in lime juice. If beans seem a bit dry, add water one teaspoon at a time and stir to combine.