Black Beans
Creamy and hearty black beans with aromatic onions, green pepper, and spices. This comforting dish is perfect for plant-based meals or as a side, offering rich flavors and tender beans. Its simple preparation makes it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the black beans with water and pick out bad beans and dirt.
- Soak the beans in water for 2 to 3 hours or overnight.
- Saute chopped onions and chopped green pepper in olive oil.
- Add crushed garlic or garlic powder and oregano to the sautéed mixture.
- Set aside the sautéed mixture while cooking the beans.
- Put the soaked beans and 1 cup of water into a pressure cooker.
- Add salt and pepper to the beans.
- Cook the beans for 1 hour at medium heat in the pressure cooker.
- When the beans are soft, add the sautéed mixture to the beans and cook for a few more minutes to blend flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, consider soaking the beans overnight to ensure even cooking. If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can simmer the beans on the stove for 1.5 to 2 hours instead. You can substitute garlic powder with fresh garlic, just be careful not to burn it while sautéing. Adding a dash of cumin can enhance the flavor, giving it a twist reminiscent of Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These black beans are delicious served over rice or as a filling for tacos. They pair beautifully with Berkeley Guacamole and can be used as a hearty topping for nachos or in a burrito bowl. For a complete meal, serve them alongside Light Tortilla Chips or with a fresh salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover black beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Beans contains roughly 1462 calories, with 22g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (135% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), and calcium (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 555mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these black beans suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! This black bean recipe is naturally vegan. The ingredients used, such as olive oil and vegetables, align perfectly with vegan recipes, making it a nutritious and flavorful option for anyone following a plant-based diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).