Best Black Beans

Discover the ultimate way to elevate a humble pantry staple with this "Best Black Beans" recipe—perfectly tender, deeply flavorful, and packed with bold seasonings. Featuring dried black beans simmered to perfection with aromatic garlic, sautéed onion, and a hint of jalapeño for optional heat, this dish is seasoned with earthy cumin, fragrant oregano, and a bay leaf for depth. A touch of olive oil creates a silky, savory base, while fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime brighten every bite. Perfect as a hearty main, a flavorful side, or a topping for your favorite tacos and bowls, these black beans are a versatile and nutritious addition to your kitchen repertoire. With easy-to-follow directions and the option to soak overnight or use a quick-soak method, you’ll achieve creamy, restaurant-quality beans in your own home.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:130 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried black beans
• 6 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small jalapeño, diced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 whole lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried black beans under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 2

In a large bowl or pot, cover the black beans with water (enough to submerge them fully with 2 inches of excess water) and let them soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Alternatively, use the quick soak method by boiling the beans for 2 minutes, turning off the heat, and letting them sit, covered, for 1 hour.

Step 3

After soaking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.

Step 4

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic, and jalapeño (if using), cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the rinsed beans to the pot, along with 6 cups of water. Stir in the ground cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8

Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.

Step 9

When the beans are tender and the cooking liquid has thickened into a sauce, remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.

Step 10

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2104.2 grams (2104.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	834

Total Fat 30.90g	40%
Saturated Fat 4.90g	25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.50g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3263mg	142%
Total Carbohydrate 110.00g	40%
Dietary Fiber 37.40g	134%
Total Sugars 7.40g
Protein 36.00g	72%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 327mg	25%
Iron 12mg	67%
Potassium 1893mg	40%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.3%

Protein: 16.7%

Carbs: 51.0%