Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for black beans that you can enjoy as a side dish, main dish, or as part of other recipes like tacos, burritos, or salads.
Simple Black Bean Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried black beans (or 3 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional, for some heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water (if using dried beans)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- If using dried beans:
- Rinse and sort the beans to remove any debris.
- Soak the beans in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
- Cooking the beans:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
- For dried beans:
- Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot along with the vegetable broth or water.
- Add the bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary.
- For canned beans:
- Add the drained and rinsed beans to the pot with the sautéed vegetables and spices.
- Add 1 cup of vegetable broth or water.
- Add the bay leaf.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Finishing touches:
- Once the beans are tender and cooked through, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the lime juice.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Tips:
- For a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more chili powder or jalapeños if you like it spicier.
- Serve with rice, in tacos, or as a topping for nachos.
Enjoy your flavorful and versatile black beans!
