Discover the ultimate budget-friendly comfort food with this "Ten Dollar Meals Perfect Black Beans" recipe! Using simple, wholesome ingredients like dried black beans, aromatic garlic, and zesty cumin, this dish combines rich flavors and hearty texture for a satisfying meal. Slow-simmered to perfection, these black beans are tender, infused with the earthy essence of bay leaf and oregano, and finished with a pop of brightness from optional cilantro and lime. Perfect as a versatile side dish, taco filling, or even a satisfying bowl over rice, this recipe is not only delicious but also easy on the wallet. With just 15 minutes of prep time and pantry staples, you'll enjoy a flavorful, nutritious dish that's perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
Rinse the black beans thoroughly under cold water and pick out any debris or broken beans.
Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover with water, making sure the water is at least 2 inches above the beans. Let soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again, and set them aside.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and dried oregano to the pot. Cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring to combine, until fragrant.
Add the soaked black beans, 8 cups of water, and the bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
After 1 hour, check the beans for tenderness. If they are still firm, continue simmering for another 15-30 minutes until soft. Add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.
Once the beans are tender, stir in the salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, if desired.
Serve warm as a side dish, over rice, or as a filling for tacos or burritos. Enjoy!
Calories |
945 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.4 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3486 mg | 152% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 130.8 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 44.3 g | 158% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.5 g | ||
| Protein | 43.2 g | 86% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 350 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 12.9 mg | 72% | |
| Potassium | 1988 mg | 42% | |
*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.