Description
Savor the rich, earthy depths of Mexican Black Beans, a soulful dish that whispers stories of traditional kitchens. Slow-simmered with aromatic spices and love, this recipe invites you to experience authentic flavors that dance on your palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 (15 ounces / 425 grams) cans black beans, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked black beans)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (about ½ lime)
Instructions
- Ignite the culinary journey by warming olive oil in a medium skillet, introducing diced onions and allowing them to soften and become translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Incorporate minced garlic into the sautéed onions, letting the pungent notes dance and infuse the oil with rich, depth-building flavor.
- Pour in the black beans, accompanied by a splash of chicken broth, then sprinkle a harmonious blend of cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, creating a vibrant flavor profile.
- Gently encourage the mixture to simmer, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution, allowing the beans to absorb the complex seasonings.
- For those craving a luxuriously creamy texture, carefully crush some beans using the back of a spoon or potato masher, transforming the dish’s consistency.
- Once the liquid has reduced and the beans are thoroughly heated, remove from heat and brighten the preparation with a zesty squeeze of lime juice.
- Elevate the final presentation by scattering fresh, chopped cilantro across the top, adding a burst of herbal freshness and visual appeal.
- Serve the beans piping hot, versatile enough to accompany rice, nestle into tacos, or stand alone as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Add a splash of extra virgin olive oil for a richer, more complex flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the beans.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for those who enjoy a spicier kick.
- For a vegetarian-friendly version, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth without compromising the deep, robust flavors of the dish.
- Use dried beans instead of canned for a more authentic texture and control over sodium content, soaking them overnight before cooking to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg