Sweet N Spicy Black Beans
Perfectly balancing rich, smoky heat with a touch of natural sweetness, Sweet N Spicy Black Beans are a flavorful and versatile addition to your mealtime repertoire. This quick and easy recipe combines tender black beans with a zesty blend of tomato paste, ground cumin, chili powder, and a hint of cayenne, all brightened by a splash of apple cider vinegar and subtle sweetness from honey or maple syrup. Sautéed onions and garlic infuse deep, aromatic complexity, while fresh cilantro provides a vibrant garnish. Ready in just 30 minutes, these boldly spiced beans can be served as a hearty side, a topping for tacos, or even over rice for a satisfying plant-based main dish. Whether you’re seeking a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing vegan option, this dish packs a mouthwatering punch of flavor in every bite. Keywords: sweet and spicy black beans, smoky black bean recipe, vegan black beans, quick black bean side dish, plant-based Mexican recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed) Black beans
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 small (finely chopped) Onion
- 2 cloves (minced) Garlic
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 2 teaspoons Apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 0.25 teaspoon (optional, adjust to desired heat level) Cayenne pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon (or to taste) Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Water or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish) Fresh cilantro
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
Add the tomato paste, honey (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to develop the flavors.
Pour in the water or vegetable broth, stirring well to create a smooth sauce.
Add the black beans to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly in the sauce.
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the beans simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Serve warm as a side or over rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
146 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.3 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 544 mg | 24% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.4 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.1 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g | ||
| Protein | 5.8 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 62 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 115 mg | 2% | |
*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.
