Mexican black beans are a perfect addition to any meal, and they are a staple food in any Mexican household. These protein-packed beans are versatile and can serve as a side dish or a main dish. Making Mexican black beans at home is easy, and they taste much better than canned beans. You can use them in salads, as a vegetarian protein source, or with rice.

If you are looking for an easy and delicious way to make Mexican black beans at home, let us help you out. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a tasty and flavorful meal that is sure to please your family or guests. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a party, Mexican black beans are a simple and tasty addition to any meal. So, let’s get started and learn how to make Mexican black beans.

Mexican black beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and a great source of fiber, protein, and vitamins. They are easy and quick to prepare, making them perfect for a simple and hearty meal. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of how to make Mexican black beans at home.

Choosing the Right Beans

The first step in making delicious Mexican black beans is choosing the right kind of beans. Black beans are readily available in most grocery stores or specialty markets. When selecting black beans, look for ones that are uniform in size and shape and free of cracks or splits. You can also opt to use canned beans, but be sure to rinse them thoroughly before using.

Soaking Beans

Soaking the beans is optional but helps to reduce the cooking time significantly. Soaking beans overnight in water or with a quick soak method by adding hot water to the beans and letting them sit for an hour can do the trick.

Seasoning the Beans

Mexican black beans get their flavoring from various herbs, spices, and vegetables. Some of the most common seasonings include cilantro, cumin, garlic, onion, pepper, and salt. You can also add dried chili peppers or hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.

Adding Vegetables

Mexican black beans are often cooked with onions, garlic, and peppers to give them additional flavor and texture. You can use any combination of vegetables, but bell peppers, red onions, and tomatoes work particularly well with black beans.

Cooking the Beans

To cook the beans, begin by adding the soaked beans to a pot of fresh water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the beans until tender. When the beans are soft and tender, you can begin to add the aromatics and spices.

Mashing the Beans

For a creamier texture, you can mash the beans with a fork or potato masher. This will make them perfect for soups, dips or spread. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip this step.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican black beans can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be served as a side dish, as a filling for tacos, burritos or quesadillas, or as a topping for nachos. They also pair well with rice and avocado.

Storage

Leftover black beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating the beans, add a little bit of water or chicken stock to prevent them from drying out.

Final Thoughts

Mexican black beans are a delicious and nutritious ingredient that can be used to make a variety of dishes. With just a few simple steps, you can easily make a hearty and flavorful pot of beans at home. Remember to experiment with different flavors and spices to find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds. Enjoy!

Ingredients for Mexican Black Beans

To make delicious Mexican black beans, you need to have the right ingredients. There are a few staple ingredients you will need and a few that are optional. Here are the key ingredients for making Mexican black beans:

1. Black Beans

The first and most important ingredient you will need is black beans. You can use canned black beans or dried ones. If you use canned black beans, make sure to rinse and drain them before using. If you use dried black beans, you will need to soak them overnight and rinse them the next day before using.

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil is used to cook the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. It adds flavor and helps the vegetables cook evenly.

3. Onion

Onion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the black beans and is one of the key ingredients in most Mexican dishes.

4. Garlic

Garlic has a strong flavor that complements the black beans perfectly. Make sure to finely chop the garlic or use a garlic press.

5. Bell Pepper

Bell peppers add color, flavor, and texture to the dish. You can use red, green, or yellow bell peppers.

6. Tomato Sauce (optional)

Tomato sauce adds a delicious tomato flavor to the black beans. It’s not required, but it does add a tasty touch to the recipe.

7. Cumin

Cumin is a spice commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It adds a warm, earthy flavor to the black beans.

8. Chili Powder

Chili powder adds a spicy kick to the dish. You can adjust the amount of chili powder to your preference.

9. Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are used to season the black beans. Be careful not to over salt the dish.

10. Water or Broth

You will need water or broth to cook the black beans. If you use broth, it will add an extra layer of flavor.

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, let’s move on to how to cook Mexican black beans.

Ingredients needed

To make delicious Mexican black beans, you need to gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients Quantity
Black beans 1 pound
Onion 1 large, diced
Garlic 4 cloves, minced
Jalapeno 1 medium, seeded and diced
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Chili powder 1 teaspoon
Salt 1 teaspoon
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Cilantro For garnish

Step 1: Preparing the black beans

The first thing you want to do is to rinse and sort your black beans to remove any dirt or debris. After that, you can soak the beans overnight or for at least 6 hours in cold water to soften them. If you don’t have the time for this, you can always use the quick soak method. Put the beans in a pot, cover them with water, bring to boil for 2-3 minutes, remove from the heat, cover and let them sit for an hour.

Step 2: Saute the aromatics

Once your beans are ready, heat some oil or use vegetable broth in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeno into the pot and saute for 3-4 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3: Add spices

Add a teaspoon of cumin, chili powder, and salt into your pot of aromatics. Stir them together for about 30 seconds to evenly distribute everything.

Step 4: Add the beans and broth

Drain the beans and add them to the pot of aromatics. Pour in the vegetable broth so that the beans are covered by about 1-2 inches. Bring everything to a boil and then reduce the heat to a low simmer.

Step 5: Let it simmer

Simmer your beans for 2-3 hours, or until they are tender and the broth has thickened and reduced. Make sure to stir the pot occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Once your black beans are ready, garnish with some fresh cilantro and enjoy them on their own, as a side dish, or add them to any Mexican-inspired recipe you desire. Now, you know how to make delicious Mexican black beans like a pro!

Thanks for stopping by!

Ah, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Mexican black beans. Whether you enjoy them as a side dish or as the star of a main course, they’re sure to satisfy. We hope that our recipe has inspired you to explore the flavors of this traditional Mexican dish, and that you have fun experimenting with your own personal touch. We appreciate you taking the time to visit, and we invite you to come back soon for more tasty and easy recipes. Happy cooking!