Quick and Easy Black Bean Recipe skimps on time but never on flavor. They’re restaurant quality at home!
Black beans are traditionally served with Mexican cuisine. Some of it is full of flavor and some of it is like flavorless mush. This Black Bean Recipe is quick, easy, and delicious.
When I was younger, unlike most kids I wasn’t a picky eater. There wasn’t much that I didn’t like. One of the exceptions was black beans.
Black beans were not something that we ate a lot of and the only time that I had them was at a friend’s house. My experience wasn’t a good one. You know when you’re taught to be polite and to eat everything on your plate but you’d rather not!
As I got older, I would give them a try when we ate out at Mexican restaurants. I learned that no two black bean recipes are alike, or created equal in the flavor department.
To me, what makes a great black bean recipe is a thick sauce with some of the black beans kept whole. I don’t want a soupy mess that just runs into everything else on the plate or that is as thick as wallpaper paste.
And, I want flavor. A lot of time it’s as if the beans are kept on the stove all day long and lose their consistency as well as any flavor they once had.
I don’t reserve this dish just for when we make Mexican dishes. Black beans are a great source of protein. They’re delicious as a vegetarian dish or as a side to any cuisine.
This recipe has no added fat. Many restaurants add lard or other animal fats to their black bean dishes.
Don’t have time to make it now? Pin it for later!
Quick and Easy Black Bean Recipe
Ingredients
- 30 ounces black beans 2 cans, do not rinse
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 4 ounce can diced green chiles
- 1 medium jalapeño seeded, ribs removed and minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 Lime wedge
Fresh crumbled Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Add one can of the black beans to a sauce pan and give them a very light mash. I use a potato masher.
- Add the second can of black beans and the green chilies, onion, jalapeño, garlic, cayenne, cumin, and ancho chili powder together. Bring to a simmer and heat through for approximately 10 minutes or until onion and jalapeño begin to soften. Salt and pepper to taste. Stir in cilantro and spritz with fresh lime. Garnish with fresh Cotija cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
This recipe is quick, easy and delicious, a homerun in my book. You are definitely going to want to try it, and I think it will become a regular in your kitchen like it has mine!
If you like this recipe, here are a few more I think you’ll like.
Cherry Chipotle Salad
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
Poblano Pork Stew over Tomatillo Rice
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Mike says
Love the flavor of good black beans. Goes well with every Mexican dish we make.
Loretta says
I have a similar recipe Julie, and it’s reminding me that I haven’t made it in a while. But since yours is right here, I’ll use your recipe, make some margaritas and put on some salsa music 🙂 Love the flavors 🙂
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Loretta! I have some friends coming over for a little Cinco de Mayo and these beans will be part of it. A margarita and a little salsa music are all we need!
mimi says
Oh! I at first thought you were using dried black beans so I was confused! This looks great, and it certainly saves on time!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Mimi! This solves my problem when I forget to plan ahead with the dried beans.
Liz says
I love the new look of your blog and the photos are awesome!!! I want to lick the screen. LOL!!!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you so much, Liz! That is so sweet of you.
Sonal says
My family loves black beans and I always have few cans in pantry. Love how you spiced up your recipe!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Sonal! No boring beans right?
Elaine @ foodbod says
Big fat YUM!!!!!
Thank you for sharing these with everyone at Fiesta Friday 🙂
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Elaine! I agree on that big ole fat bean love. Thank you for hosting FF this week too!
Bam's Kitchen says
I just want to dig my tortilla chip into that bowl. Love quick and easy recipes. You have the dips and chips and I have the cocktails we are ready to go for this weekend. Love the new updates to your site. Take Care
Julie Menghini says
I’d LOVE that Bobbi. We would have us a great ole time! I’m getting out my shaker just in case yu make it over!
Suzanne says
I.m glad to see that you use canned black beans because I do as well. I love black beans and can eat them straight out of the can. This recipe is delicious and is so quick and simple. Love it Julie.
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
I love black beans–and always have! But you’re so right; not all black bean recipes were created equal :). These look so delicious with all the spices. I can’t wait to try them!