Step 1

HEAT the oil or fat in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.

Step 2

ADD the spices when the hot oil begins to sizzle. Reduce to medium heat.

Step 3

STIR and cook in the hot oil for about 3 minutes.

Step 4

ADD the smashed garlic cloves and sliced jalapenos, if using. Cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5

OPEN a 30-ounce can of refried beans. Stir the beans into the fat and spices.

Step 6

POUR 1 cup of heavy cream (or the liquid of your choice) into the beans. Stir ingredients.

Step 7

COVER with a lid. Heat over medium-low heat for 5 to 6 minutes. The beans should start to heat and the cream bubble.

Step 8

TAKE off the lid and stir to incorporate the cream into the beans. It will be hard to stir in the cream until the beans start to warm up. Add more liquid, if necessary. Replace the lid.

Step 9

TURN the heat to low. Cook for another 5 minutes. When the beans are hot and bubbly, add a splash of lime juice and stir again. When the cream is completely stirred into the beans, replace the lid and heat for 2 minutes.

Step 10

REMOVE from the heat. Place in a serving bowl.

Step 11

GARNISH with shredded cheese, minced cilantro, and sliced jalapenos.

Step 12

SERVE with additional toppings such as fat free sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and tortilla chips.

Step 13

Microwave Instructions

Step 14

SPOON the canned beans into a microwaveable bowl.

Step 15

ADD ½ cup of cream, milk, or half and half. Stir.

Step 16

MICROWAVE for 1½ minutes.

Step 17

REMOVE from the microwave. Then add your spices and stir.

Step 18

RETURN to the microwave and heat for another 1½ minutes, or until the beans are hot and the cream can be easily stirred into them.

Step 19

GARNISH and serve.