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

Time To Make Inexpensive 60 Minutes Or Less Easy

Adobo Chicken Pie

Craving that delicious Trader Joe's Chicken Tamale Pie? This homemade version lets you enjoy the same incredible flavors with fresher ingredients and for a fraction of the cost! Our Adobo Chicken Pie boasts a savory cornbread crust, creamy adobo-spiced filling, and tender shredded chicken. Get ready for a comforting and flavorful meal the whole family will love!

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Soups Stews Low Fat Lunch Low Carb

Too Easy Black Bean Soup

This ridiculously easy black bean soup recipe, adapted from Real Simple Magazine, is a flavor explosion ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight meal, this recipe is easily customizable – use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy a comforting and delicious bowl of goodness!

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Dietary Picnic Main Ingredient Beans

5 Bean Salad

This vibrant 5 Bean Salad is a flavor explosion! Packed with five types of beans, crunchy veggies, and a zesty vinaigrette, it's the perfect make-ahead recipe for meal prepping. Low in calories, fat, and sugar, this hearty salad is a healthy and delicious addition to any weeknight dinner or potluck. Get ready for a big batch – enough to enjoy all week long!

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Pasta Rice And Grains Vegetarian Pasta Rice And Grains Brown Rice

Arroz Con Queso Cheesy Rice

This Arroz Con Queso recipe elevates classic cheesy rice to a whole new level! A delightful blend of savory spices, creamy cheeses, and hearty beans baked to perfection. Using pre-cooked brown rice (Trader Joe's frozen is a great shortcut!) makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing casserole.

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Time To Make Eggs Dairy Pork Main Ingredient

Bacon N Egg Quesadillas

Crispy bacon, perfectly cooked eggs, and melty cheese tucked into warm tortillas – this Rachael Ray-inspired Bacon & Egg Quesadilla recipe is a quick, satisfying, and unbelievably delicious breakfast, brunch, or even a late-night snack! Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 20 minutes!

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Course Main Ingredient Course 60 Minutes Or Less

Adobo Rice With Beans And Tomato

Spice up your dinner routine with this vibrant Adobo Rice! Packed with savory beans, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy chipotle swirl, this flavorful side dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Most of the work happens while the rice simmers, making it a surprisingly easy weeknight meal. Get ready for seconds – we promise you'll want them!

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Inexpensive Inexpensive Preparation Vegetarian

4 Bean Relish

This vibrant 4-Bean Relish recipe, inspired by Guy Fieri, is a flavor fiesta in your mouth! Quick to prepare and bursting with fresh, zesty ingredients, it's the perfect side dish for BBQs, tacos, or anything that needs a punch of deliciousness. Get ready for a taste sensation that'll leave you wanting more!

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Meat Low Saturated Fat Black Beans Cuisine

4 Ingredient Chicken Santa Fe

This incredibly easy and healthy 4-ingredient Chicken Santa Fe recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Inspired by Taste of Home, this dish is ready in under 8 hours and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Course Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less Preparation

Beany Burritos

Satisfy your cravings with these delicious Beany Burritos, a flavorful and healthy recipe adapted from Leanne Ely's 'Saving Dinner'. Each burrito boasts only 317 calories and 3g of fat, making it a guilt-free weeknight meal. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked beef, offering a quick and easy dinner solution packed with protein and fiber. Top with your favorite garnishes for a customizable and satisfying experience!

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60 Minutes Or Less Lactose Egg Free Inexpensive

Barley Black Bean Avocado Salad

This vibrant and healthy Barley Black Bean Avocado Salad is a flavor explosion! Inspired by a classic Readers Digest recipe, this hearty salad is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or a satisfying vegetarian meal. Get ready to enjoy a taste of sunshine in every bite!

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Black Beans Soups Stews Black Beans Peppers

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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Dietary Poultry North American Healthy

Baked Turkey And Jack Cheese Chimichangas Weight Watchers

Satisfy your cravings with these cheesy, crispy Baked Turkey & Jack Cheese Chimichangas! A ridiculously easy, 5-point Weight Watchers recipe (9 points with the new program). Each serving is packed with flavor and pairs perfectly with a fresh black bean and corn salad (points not included). Get ready for a delicious and guilt-free meal in under an hour!

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Time To Make Oven 4 Hours Or Less Peppers

Bell Peppers Ole

A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian twist on a classic! This South-of-the-border inspired recipe features juicy bell peppers stuffed with a hearty and savory filling, then baked to perfection. Easy to make and bursting with delicious Mexican flavors, this meatless marvel is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal.

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Dietary Free Of Something Lactose Occasion

30 Minute Chili

This unbelievably delicious chili is your new weeknight dinner hero! Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe (originally from beefitswhatfordinner.com, but spotted in the newspaper!) delivers big flavor in under 40 minutes. I've experimented with different beef cuts and even boosted the beans and tomatoes—it always tastes amazing! Get ready for a flavor explosion that's easy enough for any night of the week.

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60 Minutes Or Less 60 Minutes Or Less Main Dish Course

Bean Chicken Baked Taco Filling

This award-winning recipe, featured as 'Recipe of the Month' in our local newspaper and created by Elke Marsh of the renowned Elke's Market Cafe, delivers a hearty and flavorful taco filling perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun fiesta! This updated version includes a delicious blend of spices and tender chicken for a truly unforgettable taco experience.

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Beef Main Dish 4 Hours Or Less Low Calorie

Beef And Black Bean Taco Filling

Craveable and healthy beef and black bean taco filling! Perfect for tacos, taco salads, or burrito bowls. This recipe delivers big on flavor with a simple 95-minute cooking process. Get ready for a fiesta in your mouth!

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Mexican 15 Minutes Or Less Mexican Dietary

Spicy Bean And Avocado Tostadas

Whip up these Spicy Bean & Avocado Tostadas in just 15 minutes! A quick, flavorful, and satisfying vegetarian supper perfect for a busy weeknight. This recipe features perfectly grilled tortillas, a zesty black bean and corn salsa, and creamy avocado for the ultimate taste explosion.

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Time To Make One Dish Meal Mexican Kid Friendly

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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