Simmered Black Beans
Transform simple pantry staples into a comforting and nutritious dish with this recipe for Simmered Black Beans. Featuring tender dried black beans slowly cooked with aromatic sautéed onion, garlic, and a blend of earthy spices like cumin and oregano, this dish is rich in flavor and heartwarming in every bite. Infused with the subtle fragrance of a bay leaf and finished with optional fresh cilantro and a zesty splash of lime juice, these beans are as versatile as they are delicious. Serve them as a flavorful side dish, spoon them over rice for a wholesome meal, or use them as a filling for tacos, burritos, or grain bowls. With minimal effort and a stovetop-friendly cooking technique, this easy recipe is perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with plant-based protein!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried black beans
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional) fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon (optional) lime juice
Instructions
Sort through the dried black beans to remove any debris or damaged beans, then rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
In a large bowl, soak the beans in enough water to cover them by at least 2 inches for 6-8 hours or overnight. Alternatively, you can use the quick-soak method: place the beans in a pot with enough water to cover them, bring to a boil, boil for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it sit for 1 hour.
Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then set aside.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and dried oregano, and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot along with 4 cups of water and the bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 60-75 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and monitor the water level, adding more hot water if needed to keep the beans submerged.
Once the beans are tender, stir in the salt and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the liquid to thicken and coat the beans.
Remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
444 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.8 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2821 mg | 123% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.9 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.9 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.0 g | ||
| Protein | 18.6 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 196 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 6.8 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 977 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
