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How to Cook Black Beans from Scratch Recipe

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4 from 37 reviews

Discover how to cook black beans from scratch to achieve creamy, flavorful results perfect as a side dish or a base for dishes like tacos and enchiladas. This recipe guides you through soaking, simmering, and seasoning black beans for rich taste and optimal texture.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 12

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried black beans
  • 8 cups water, plus more as needed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 (3-inch) piece kombu, rinsed (optional)
  • 3 garlic cloves, grated

Optional Add-Ins

  • Chili powder, to taste
  • Mexican oregano, to taste
  • Lime juice and zest, to taste
  • Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sort and Rinse Beans: Place the dried black beans in a large colander. Carefully sort through to remove any stones or debris. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold running water to clean them.
  2. Simmer the Beans: Transfer the rinsed beans to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add 8 cups of water, ground cumin, extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Reduce Heat and Add Kombu: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Add the rinsed kombu piece if using. Keep the pot uncovered and let the beans simmer until tender, checking starting at 1 hour and every 15 minutes thereafter. Depending on bean freshness, cooking may take 1 to 2½ hours. Add more water as needed to keep beans submerged.
  4. Finish Cooking and Add Garlic: Remove the kombu from the pot. Stir in the grated garlic during the last few minutes of cooking to infuse the beans with flavor.
  5. Season to Taste: Adjust seasoning by adding chili powder, Mexican oregano, and more salt and pepper as desired. Let the beans cool in their cooking liquid until it thickens slightly, enhancing the flavor and texture.
  6. Optional Garnishes: Just before serving, stir in fresh lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

  • Adding kombu is optional but helps soften the beans and adds nutrients.
  • Cooking times vary based on the bean’s age; fresher beans cook faster.
  • Keep beans submerged with water throughout cooking to prevent burning or drying out.
  • Letting beans sit in their cooking liquid after cooking enhances creaminess and flavor.
  • Customize seasoning with chili powder and oregano to suit your taste preferences.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/how-to-cook-black-beans-from-scratch-recipe/