Black Beans Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of Black Beans Recipe. I remember growing up, my family would gather around the table, and the aroma of simmering beans would fill the kitchen. It felt like a warm hug on a chilly evening, and I knew it was going to be a special meal. This recipe encapsulates that feeling, combining the earthy flavors of black beans with hints of spice and a touch of love. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish never fails to impress.

As the ingredients meld together, you can almost taste the nostalgia. The vibrant colors of the onion, red pepper, and cilantro dance in harmony with the rich, creamy texture of the beans. Cooking can be a magical experience, and with the Black Beans Recipe, every bite tells a story. Plus, it’s versatile! You can serve it as a main dish, a side, or even a topping for your favorite tacos. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

In this busy world, having a recipe like this in your back pocket is invaluable. It’s simple, nourishing, and oh-so-delicious. So, let’s get cooking and bring that comforting feeling back to our dinner tables!

Shopping List for Black Beans Recipe

Gathering quality ingredients is key to making the best Black Beans Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in creating a delicious and satisfying dish. The main players here are the hearty black beans, which offer not only flavor but also essential nutrients. You’ll also need fresh vegetables and spices to enhance the overall experience, making every bite a celebration of taste.

• 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
• 1 cup finely diced red pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (4 to 6 cloves)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound dried black beans
• 3 cups water
• 3 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
• 2 heaping tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
• Fresh lime juice (optional)

Cooking Method for Black Beans Recipe

Cooking the Black Beans Recipe can be a delightful journey. Whether you choose the Instant Pot for a speedy option or the slow cooker for a more leisurely approach, the results will be equally delicious! Each method enhances the flavors beautifully, allowing the ingredients to blend perfectly.

1. Start by prepping your onion and red pepper. For a quicker prep, give them a coarse chop, then add them along with the garlic cloves to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. This will save you some time and make the cooking process smoother.

2. In a large cast-iron pan or the sauté function of the pressure cooker, add olive oil and heat it to high. Once hot, toss in the diced onion, red pepper, and garlic. Cook for about 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. The mixture should be fragrant and slightly caramelized.

3. Next, add in all your seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and oregano. Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. This step is crucial as it releases the flavors of the spices, creating a savory base for the beans.

4. Now, it’s time to transfer the cooked mixture into your slow cooker or pressure cooker. Use a spatula to scrape every bit out because this is where a lot of the flavor resides!

5. Rinse your black beans in a strainer, picking through them carefully to discard any shriveled beans or stones. Add the rinsed beans to the cooker along with the chicken stock (or vegetable stock) and water. This will provide the necessary moisture for cooking.

6. Next, stir in the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. I usually add around 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, but adjust according to your preference.

7. If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on high for 7 to 9 hours or until the beans are tender. If you’re using a pressure cooker, seal it, turn the valve to seal, and cook on manual mode for 45 minutes. Remember that it will take about 15 to 20 minutes to reach pressure.

8. Once the cooking time is done, allow for a natural release for 25 minutes. This is important to prevent the beans from breaking apart due to sudden pressure changes. After that, release any remaining pressure manually.

9. Remove the lid and give the beans a taste. Add more salt if necessary. I often find that they need an extra teaspoon of salt at this stage.

10. Finally, discard the chipotle peppers and the bay leaf. If desired, you can add chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. Stir everything together and serve it as a delightful side dish or as part of another recipe.

Helpful Notes about Black Beans Recipe

Every great recipe comes with its own set of tips to ensure success. Here are some insights to help you perfect your Black Beans Recipe.

• Storage: To store leftovers, allow the beans to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the Black Beans. Just scoop 1.5 cups into freezer bags, leaving space for expansion. They can last up to six months.
• Pairing: These beans pair beautifully with rice, tacos, or alongside grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• Flavor Enhancement: The flavors of the beans will improve as they sit, so consider making them a day in advance.
• Texture Tips: If you prefer a creamier texture, mash some of the beans after cooking.

Perfect Pairings for Black Beans Recipe

When it comes to serving your Black Beans Recipe, the options are as diverse as they are delicious. Here are some amazing ways to enjoy this dish:

• Serve as a Main Dish: Enjoy them on their own with a side of rice for a fulfilling meal.
• As a Side Dish: Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a delightful contrast.
• Tacos: Use them as a filling for tacos, adding fresh toppings like salsa and avocado.
• Salads: Mix them into salads for an extra protein boost and hearty texture.
• Wraps: Spread them in a wrap with fresh vegetables for a healthy lunch option.
• Soups: Incorporate them into soups for added depth and nutrition.
• Seasonal Pairings: Great for summer barbecues or cozy winter dinners, making them a year-round favorite.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Black Beans Recipe is truly a gem in the world of comfort food. It’s nutritious, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, making it a dish that you can enjoy any time of the year. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the delightful flavors for yourself. Trust me, it’s a dish that will soon become a favorite in your household!

Black Beans Recipe

Craving something hearty and satisfying? The Black Beans Recipe is your answer! Packed with flavor and plant-based protein, it’s perfect for any meal. Easy to prepare, it’s a delicious addition to your weeknight dinner lineup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 3 cans

Calories 270 kcal

Equipment

• Large cast-iron pan
• Instant Pot
• Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup yellow onion
• 1 cup red pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic 4 to 6 cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 pound dried black beans
• 3 cups water
• 3 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
• 2 heaping tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, measure the peppers and surrounding sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro optional
• Fresh lime juice optional

Instructions

 

• Start by prepping your onion and red pepper. For a quicker prep, give them a coarse chop, then add them along with the garlic cloves to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. This will save you some time and make the cooking process smoother.
• In a large cast-iron pan or the sauté function of the pressure cooker, add olive oil and heat it to high. Once hot, toss in the diced onion, red pepper, and garlic. Cook for about 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. The mixture should be fragrant and slightly caramelized.
• Next, add in all your seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and oregano. Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. This step is crucial as it releases the flavors of the spices, creating a savory base for the beans.
• Now, it’s time to transfer the cooked mixture into your slow cooker or pressure cooker. Use a spatula to scrape every bit out because this is where a lot of the flavor resides!
• Rinse your black beans in a strainer, picking through them carefully to discard any shriveled beans or stones. Add the rinsed beans to the cooker along with the chicken stock (or vegetable stock) and water. This will provide the necessary moisture for cooking.
• Next, stir in the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. I usually add around 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, but adjust according to your preference.
• If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on high for 7 to 9 hours or until the beans are tender. If you’re using a pressure cooker, seal it, turn the valve to seal, and cook on manual mode for 45 minutes. Remember that it will take about 15 to 20 minutes to reach pressure.
• Once the cooking time is done, allow for a natural release for 25 minutes. This is important to prevent the beans from breaking apart due to sudden pressure changes. After that, release any remaining pressure manually.
• Remove the lid and give the beans a taste. Add more salt if necessary. I often find that they need an extra teaspoon of salt at this stage.
• Finally, discard the chipotle peppers and the bay leaf. If desired, you can add chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. Stir everything together and serve it as a delightful side dish or as part of another recipe.

Notes

• Tip 1: To store leftovers, allow the beans to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the Black Beans. Just scoop 1.5 cups into freezer bags, leaving space for expansion. They can last up to six months.
• Tip 3: These beans pair beautifully with rice, tacos, or alongside grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• Tip 4: The flavors of the beans will improve as they sit, so consider making them a day in advance.
• Tip 5: If you prefer a creamier texture, mash some of the beans after cooking.

Keyword black beans for tacos, easy black beans recipe, instant pot black beans, slow cooker black beans