How to Eat Black Beans: 6 Simple Recipes for Delicious Meals

Introduction

Black beans are a popular legume used around the world. They’re incredibly versatile, making them the perfect addition to a variety of dishes. Despite their small size, black beans are packed with protein and fiber, making them an excellent source of nutrition. In this article, we’ll explore six different ways to eat black beans, from soups to salads to burgers.

Create a Healthy Black Bean Soup

This easy black bean soup is a great way to get your daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge. The best part? It only takes about 30 minutes to make!

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the cumin and paprika, and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute more.
3. Add the vegetable broth and black beans, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
5. Stir in the cilantro and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Serve hot.

Make a Mexican-Inspired Black Bean Salad

This Mexican-inspired black bean salad is the perfect side dish for any meal. It’s light and refreshing, yet still packed with flavor. Plus, it only takes about 10 minutes to make!

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the black bean mixture, and toss to combine.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Add Black Beans to Your Favorite Burrito Recipe

Black beans are a great way to add protein and fiber to your favorite burrito recipe. All you need to do is add a few extra ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal in no time!

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 (10-inch) flour tortillas
• Toppings of your choice (e.g., cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, sour cream)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, and paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the black beans and rice, and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in the cilantro. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Divide the filling among the tortillas, and top with your favorite toppings.
5. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, and enjoy!

Make a Tasty Vegetarian Chili

This vegetarian chili is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies. It’s hearty and flavorful, and it only takes about 45 minutes to make. Best of all, it’s full of protein thanks to the black beans!

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the cumin and paprika, and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute more.
3. Add the tomatoes, vegetable broth, and black beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Stir in the cilantro and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Serve hot.

Try a Delicious Black Bean Burger

These black bean burgers are a great way to switch up your regular burger routine. They’re full of flavor, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. Just be sure to serve them with plenty of toppings so everyone can customize their own!

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
• Toppings of your choice (e.g., cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, mustard)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork until mostly smooth.
2. Add the onion, breadcrumbs, cilantro, egg, cumin, and paprika. Stir to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
6. Serve the patties on the hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.

Prepare a Creamy Black Bean Dip

This creamy black bean dip is a great way to feed a crowd. It’s full of flavor, and it only takes about 10 minutes to make. Serve it with chips and crudités for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. In a food processor, combine the black beans, onion, garlic, jalapeno pepper, yogurt, cilantro, and lime juice. Process until smooth.
2. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and serve with chips and crudités.

Conclusion

Black beans are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a hearty soup, a flavorful salad, or a tasty dip, there are plenty of ways to incorporate black beans into your diet. With these six simple recipes, you’ll be able to enjoy the deliciousness of black beans in no time!

Not only are black beans delicious, but they’re also incredibly nutritious. They’re a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. So, if you’re looking for a healthy and delicious way to add more nutrients to your diet, look no further than black beans.