When I moved to the United States, I was amazed at the variety of foods! Almost every country’s dishes could be found. Immediately I was drawn to Mexican food, my first experience was Taco Bell and needless to say I was sorely disappointed until I had the real deal at a small authentic Mexican restaurant that didn’t even serve cheese on their tacos! The little lady chef muttered “That’s for Americans! We no do that in Mexico!”
I was blown away, the intense flavors, the spiciness, the savoriness and the desserts Oh my goodness! Give me a coconut macaroon every day please! or maybe a cream filled churro dipped in a ton of cinnamon and sugar *drool* but I digress. Since Mexican food is quickly becoming a favorite, I’ve tried to make a few dishes myself. I found this black bean recipe on Food Network. It’s pretty basic, but very tasty and it goes great with tacos, burritos, carne asada, mexican grilled chicken or by itself! I just love the different shades of purple and navy you see after soaking, so pretty 🙂
Ingredients
1 pound dried black beans, rinsed and picked over
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, halved and seeded
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano, preferably Mexican
Kosher salt
Queso fresco and fresh cilantro, for topping (optional)
Directions
- Soak the beans in a pot of water overnight. Drain.
- Heat the olive oil in the pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, jalapeno and cumin and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
- Add the oregano and the beans, then add enough water to cover (about 9 cups). Increase the heat to medium high and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low, partially cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are just tender, about 3 hours. (Usually takes about 90 mins but some beans are just difficult 🙂 )
- Add 2 teaspoons salt and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 45 minutes. Season with salt. Let sit 15 minutes before serving; top with queso fresco and cilantro, if desired.
These look great. It is so important to have the basic parts of your meal be tasty before getting crazy with the meats, veggies, etc. I bet these are the perfect base for any number of yummy dishes you might make. Thanks for posting! 😀
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I totally agree with you! Its a great side for many other dishes. I just love black beans now that I know how to prepare them 😊
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Great timing as I have a Mexican feast planned for tomorrow and some black beans screaming to be used! Love the simplicity
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Excellent! What time should I come over? 😁😁
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Love black beans!! I usually cook them more to a Cuban style, with cumin and smoked paprika .. These seem good too! I have yet to cook authentic Mexican food.. Need to find the recipes!
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I love black beans too! Do share your Cuban style! Would love to try that!
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Its a bit more simple not much oregano, no chilli.. Just cumin,garlic a little coriander and smoked paprika. Simple yet delicious!
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That’s very close to the Mexican version. They use jalapeños!
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Its funny,I’m cooking kidney beans tomorrow.. I may upload the recipe!
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Can’t wait! Send some of the food in a bowl too thanks lol
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I wish I could.. I don’t even know what state to send it to! Haaaaaahaaaaaa! We could do a trade off, you could send some Mexican or Trini food!!
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Send it to California! Hahahaha yours will be on the way as soon as I get your package lol 😁😁
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