15 Mexican Black Bean Recipe From Dried Beans Unleash Your Inner Chef!

Soaking the Beans

Why Soak Dried Beans?

Before we dive into the recipe, it's important to understand why soaking the beans is a crucial step. Dried beans need to be rehydrated before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and have a softer texture. Soaking also helps remove any impurities and makes them easier to digest.

How to Soak Dried Beans

To soak the beans, place them in a large bowl and cover them with enough water to fully submerge them. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. If you're in a pinch, you can also do a quick soak by bringing the beans and water to a boil for 2 minutes, then removing them from the heat and letting them sit for an hour.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried black beans
• 3 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Add the drained beans, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and bay leaf to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer for 1-2 hours, or until they are tender.
7. Check the beans occasionally and add more water if needed.
8. Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaf and let them cool slightly.

Serving Suggestions

These Mexican black beans are delicious on their own as a side dish, but they can also be used in a variety of recipes. You can add them to tacos, burritos, salads, or make a hearty black bean soup. They are also a great source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. In conclusion, cooking dried black beans for this Mexican black bean recipe may take a bit more time and effort, but the end result is well worth it. Not only will you have a tastier and more nutritious dish, but you'll also have the satisfaction of making it from scratch. So next time you're craving some Mexican flavors, give this recipe a try and elevate your cooking game.