Frijoles Negros(Spanish For Black Beans)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Latin American

Creamy, savory black beans infused with aromatic green pepper, onion, garlic, and spices, perfect for hearty meals and suitable for vegetarians and comfort food lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. black beans, dried
  • 1 green pepper
  • 10 c. water
  • 2/3 c. olive oil
  • 1 large onion
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pimiento
  • 1/4 tsp. oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 Tbsp. white sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar

Instructions

  1. Wash the black beans thoroughly and soak them along with one green pepper in 10 cups of water in a large pot.
  2. When the beans are plump, cook the mixture for approximately 45 minutes or until the beans are soft.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a smoked meat or bacon while cooking the beans. If you're short on time, canned black beans can be a substitute; just reduce cooking time. Enhance the dish by sautéing the onion and garlic in the olive oil before adding them to the pot. If you like a bit of heat, throw in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Frijoles Negros over rice for a hearty meal or as a filling in tacos. They pair beautifully with Pickled Sweet And Sour Vegetables for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for added flavor, and consider serving with cornbread or tortillas on the side for a complete experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Frijoles Negros in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if they seem too thick. These beans can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Frijoles Negros(Spanish For Black Beans) contains roughly 2029 calories, with 75g protein, 448g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (834% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2274mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).

2029 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 75.1g 100% DV
Total Fat 41.3g 53% DV
Carbs 448.4g 100% DV
Fiber 233.5g 100% DV
Sugar 32.7g 65% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2274.5mg 99% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 8.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 463.7mcg 52% DV
Vitamin C 19mg 21% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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

Can I use canned black beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned black beans to save time. Drain and rinse them before adding to the pot. Reduce the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes, just enough to warm them through and blend the flavors.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

This recipe is already vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring all added ingredients are plant-based. Use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor, and feel free to skip any meat additions to keep it fully vegan.

What can I do if my beans are still hard after cooking?

If your beans are still hard after the initial cooking, it may be due to old beans. Continue simmering them on low heat, adding more water as needed, until they reach your desired tenderness. Soaking beans longer before cooking can help, too.

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).

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