Do you ever find yourself craving something hearty yet simple? Black beans—those small, unassuming pulses—can pack a punch of flavor that’ll surprise you. I stumbled upon this recipe during a rainy afternoon, and let me tell you, it’s like finding sunshine in a bowl.
Steps
- Remove the stem from the jalapeño, slice it in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to remove the seeds, leaving some for extra spice if desired. Dice the jalapeño and mince a clove of garlic.
- In a small sauce pot, combine the diced jalapeño, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin. Sauté over medium heat for about one minute until the garlic softens and the cumin is toasted.
- Add two cans of undrained black beans to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat to thoroughly heat the beans.
- Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary. Serve the beans hot as a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 jalapeño pepper
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, undrained
Nutritional Values
Calories: 285.36kcal | Carbohydrates: 42.24g | Protein: 15.34g | Fat: 6.86g | Sodium: 872.96mg | Fiber: 15.46g
FAQ
- How can I make these seasoned black beans spicier?
- To increase the spiciness of your seasoned black beans, you can leave more seeds in the jalapeño when preparing it or add extra diced jalapeños. Alternatively, you could incorporate a dash of hot sauce or chili powder to boost the heat.
- What can I serve with these seasoned black beans?
- These beans make a perfect side dish for southwest-inspired meals. They pair well with chicken enchiladas, burrito bowls, chipotle chicken tacos, or simply served over rice with some cheese on top.
- Can I customize these black beans with other ingredients?
- Absolutely! You can enhance these beans with various toppings such as fresh cilantro, corn, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled feta, fresh lime juice, or even diced tomatoes. Feel free to experiment with your favorite add-ins.
- Do I need to drain the black beans before adding them to the pot?
- No, you should not drain the black beans before adding them to the pot. The liquid from the can helps to create a flavorful sauce as the beans simmer and heat through.
- Are these seasoned black beans suitable for a vegetarian diet?
- Yes, these seasoned black beans are vegetarian-friendly, as they contain no meat or animal by-products. They are a great source of plant-based protein and can be enjoyed as part of a vegetarian meal.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeño when dicing it, or substitute with another hot pepper like pepperoncini if jalapeños aren’t available.
- This recipe is an excellent base for customization. Consider adding fresh cilantro, corn, or shredded cheese for extra flavor. You can also experiment with hot sauce, crumbled feta, or a splash of lime juice to enhance the taste.
- If you want to make a black bean dip, try topping the beans with shredded cheddar cheese and a pat of butter. Additionally, adding diced tomatoes before simmering can provide a fresh twist.
- These seasoned black beans make a great complement to a variety of dishes, such as chicken enchiladas or burrito bowls, and they pair well with chipotle chicken tacos for a flavorful meal.
Equipment
- Small Sauce Pot – If you don’t already have one suitable for sautéing and simmering.
- Chef’s Knife – If you need a quality knife for dicing the jalapeño and mincing the garlic.
- Cutting Board – If you need a durable cutting surface for preparing the ingredients.
- Garlic Press – Optional, but handy if you prefer using a press for mincing garlic.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – For stirring the ingredients in the pot.
