Simple Black Beans
Elevate your weeknight meals with this quick and flavorful recipe for Simple Black Beans, a versatile dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes! This easy-to-follow recipe combines pantry staples like canned black beans, aromatic garlic, and onions with warming spices such as cumin and optional smoked paprika for a taste that’s both comforting and vibrant. Simmered in a splash of vegetable broth and brightened with fresh lime juice, these black beans are perfectly seasoned and packed with plant-based protein. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness, and serve as a hearty side dish, taco filling, or atop rice bowls. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy cooks looking for a healthy, budget-friendly option.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked black beans (canned or pre-cooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 0.5 cup vegetable broth or water
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat a medium skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the ground cumin and smoked paprika (if using), stirring to coat the onions and garlic in the spices.
Pour in the cooked black beans and vegetable broth (or water), stirring to combine.
Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste as needed.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the beans for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and the beans have absorbed the flavors.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice.
Serve warm as a side dish or as part of your favorite meal, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
158 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.1 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 512 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.6 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.2 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.1 g | ||
| Protein | 8.2 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 38 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 387 mg | 8% | |
*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.
