Black Beans

Phaseolus vulgaris Legume

Black Beans Legume

At a Glance

  • Category Legume

The Forktionary Angle

"The Humble Powerhouse: Unearthing the Global Legacy of Black Beans."

Definition

Small, oval-shaped legumes with a rich, earthy flavor and creamy texture, a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Antioxidant Richness Dark skins contain anthocyanins, potent antioxidants.
Fiber Content Over 15g of dietary fiber per cup, aiding digestion.
Soaking Time (Dry) 8-12 hours prior to cooking to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Black Beans are:

Earthy slightly sweet mild savory

Chef’s Secret

Adding a bay leaf or a piece of kombu (dried kelp) to the cooking water for dried black beans can improve their flavor and reduce gas-producing compounds.

Best Substitutes

Kidney Beans or Pinto Beans

ratio, but flavor will differ slightly
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

For dried, look for uniform, unblemished beans. For canned, check for low sodium options and rinse thoroughly.

Recipes Using Black Beans

Kid Friendly Beans Inexpensive Black Beans

Chipotle Style Chicken Burrito Bowls

Craving that Chipotle taste at home? This copycat recipe delivers the same deliciousness without the wait! Packed with flavorful chicken, customizable toppings, and vibrant veggies, this burrito bowl is a family favorite. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, it's the perfect weeknight meal. Get ready for a fiesta in your kitchen!

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Copycat Seasonal Comfort Food North American

Panera Bread Black Bean Soup

Craving Panera's delicious black bean soup? This copycat recipe delivers the same rich, smoky flavor in just 25 minutes! Made vegetarian with vegetable stock, this easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal. Get ready to savor every spoonful of this hearty and flavorful soup.

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Main Dish Course Main Dish

3 Bean Vegetarian Chili

This hearty 3-Bean Vegetarian Chili is bursting with flavor and will quickly become a weeknight favorite! No one will miss the meat in this satisfying and incredibly delicious chili. Perfect for meal prepping, it freezes and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet extraordinary recipe!

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Vegetables Vegetables Peppers Onions

3 Bean Salad With Marinated Sweet Onions And Roasted Peppers

This 3-Bean Salad recipe is a game-changer! Forget everything you thought you knew about bean salads – this one's bursting with flavor thanks to perfectly marinated sweet onions and roasted peppers. We use Vidalia onions for the ultimate sweetness, but any sweet onion will work. Prepare to be amazed by the vibrant colors and incredible taste! Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a light summer lunch.

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Low Saturated Fat Low Cholesterol Preparation Occasion

5 Ingredient Soup

This ridiculously easy 5-ingredient soup is a crowd-pleaser every time! Packed with protein and fiber, yet low in fat and calories, it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, not 20 minutes. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Vegetarian Dietary Beans Main Ingredient

A Side Of Black Beans And Corn

This insanely easy and flavorful black bean and corn side dish is ready in 10 minutes! Perfect alongside your favorite Mexican-inspired main course (like our Mexican Chicken!), this vibrant recipe uses simple canned ingredients for ultimate convenience. Elevate your next Taco Tuesday or weeknight dinner with this quick and delicious side that's bursting with fresh corn flavor. Try it with Mexican-style corn for an extra authentic touch!

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Preparation Dietary Main Dish North American

Almost Instant Black Bean Chili

This incredibly flavorful black bean chili recipe from PCRM is ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this vibrant chili is packed with protein and satisfying spices. Skip the long simmer and enjoy a delicious, healthy chili without the wait. Get your taste buds ready for a fiesta!

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Easy Beans Main Dish Course

Amazing Veggie Burgers

Juicy black bean burgers bursting with flavor! This easy recipe combines hearty black beans, sweet onions, tangy BBQ sauce, and melty cheddar cheese for a satisfying vegetarian meal the whole family will love. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping – simply double the recipe and freeze for later! Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Meat Preparation Main Ingredient Course

Aunt Susan's Taco Soup

This unconventional taco soup recipe might sound unusual at first, but trust us – it's a flavor explosion! Aunt Susan's secret blend of spices creates a rich and satisfying meal that's perfect for a chilly evening. Don't let the unexpected ingredient combinations deter you; this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a new favorite!

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Low Calorie Vegetables Easy Low Sodium

Avocado And Black Bean Salad

This vibrant Avocado Black Bean & Corn Salad is the perfect summer dish, bursting with fresh flavors! Perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations or any time you crave a healthy and delicious meal. This recipe combines creamy avocado, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a zesty lime dressing for an unforgettable taste. Easy to make in just 10 minutes, it's a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to impress.

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Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Vegetarian Vegetables

Azteca Squash Soup

A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian soup inspired by Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico (Bon Appétit Magazine, December 2008). This recipe features roasted butternut squash, a rich blend of spices, and a touch of heat for a truly satisfying and unforgettable autumnal meal. Perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering!

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4 Hours Or Less Sauces Time To Make Stews

Babette's Colossal Crockpot Chili Ragu

This hearty and bold chili ragu, a Ragú® recipe contest entry, is packed with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters! Imagine tender Italian sausage, succulent stewed tomatoes, and rich black beans simmering to perfection in your slow cooker. Topped with creamy feta, this colossal chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing feast. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Comfort Food Equipment Time To Make High Calcium

Babs Black Bean Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Get ready for a taste sensation! This gourmet grilled cheese, from my friend Babs, elevates the classic with a surprising and delicious combination of creamy pepper jack cheese, savory black beans, and tangy purple onion on hearty rye bread. It's a quick, satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. Prepare to be amazed!

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Time To Make 3 Steps Or Less Preparation Side Dishes

Bbq Black Beans And Corn

This vibrant BBQ Black Bean and Corn Salad is a family favorite! Quick, easy, and delicious, it's perfect for a weeknight meal or a summer BBQ. Sweet corn and savory black beans mingle with smoky BBQ sauce in this crowd-pleasing recipe. Serve it warm or cold – it's equally delightful! Great for kids and adults alike.

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Dietary 60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Number Of Servings

Bean And Rice Tacos

These easy Bean and Rice Tacos are a family-friendly favorite! A quick and flavorful weeknight meal, this recipe is packed with protein and customizable to your liking. Serve with your favorite toppings for a fiesta in every bite! Perfect for busy weeknights.

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Cuisine Time To Make Vegan Chick Peas Garbanzos

Bean Salad Yes An Other

Spice up your life with this vibrant and healthy Bean Salad! Packed with protein (15g per cup!), fiber, and antioxidants, this recipe is a delicious and nutritious powerhouse. Beans rank #1 on the USDA's list of high-antioxidant foods – a testament to their incredible health benefits. Boost your cholesterol levels, manage blood sugar (great for diabetics!), and enjoy a flavor explosion in every bite. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a quick lunch, side dish, or healthy snack. Try it today!

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Seasonal North American Beef Occasion

Beef Taco Soup

This incredibly easy and flavorful Beef Taco Soup recipe is a family favorite! Adapted from a classic recipe, it's ready in under an hour and freezes beautifully. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty soup boasts tender beef, zesty tomatoes, and a touch of Mexican spice. Get ready to enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of deliciousness!

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Mexican Easy Beans 3 Steps Or Less

Best Ever Low Fat Mexican Soup

This incredibly flavorful, low-fat Mexican bean soup is a family favorite! Packed with hearty beans and zesty Mexican spices, it's quick, easy, and perfect for a healthy weeknight meal. Double the recipe and freeze individual portions for a grab-and-go lunch or dinner. Your kids will devour this delicious and surprisingly low-fat soup!

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