Basic Black Beans Recipes

BASIC BLACK BEANS

Steps:

• Rinse beans in a colander under running water, picking out any debris.
• Place rinsed beans in a heavy pot filled with 6 cups of water and soak overnight.
• Add bay leaf and 1/4 tsp each of cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder.
• Bring just to a boil, then cover and simmer for 1 1/2 - 2 hours, or until beans are tender. Add 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper (or more to taste).
• Makes about 6 cups of cooked beans.

BASIC BLACK BEANS

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in large skillet, saute onions, garlic and spices until onions are soft but not clear.
• Add beans and tomatoes, cook until bubbly.
• Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 10 minutes.
• Add salt if necessary.
• Serve over hot cooked rice or cornbread.

BEST BLACK BEANS

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, combine beans, onion, and garlic, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Season with cilantro, cayenne, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes, and serve.

SLOW-COOKER BLACK BEANS AND RICE

Steps:

• In 3 1/2- to 6-quart slow cooker, mix all ingredients except rice.
• Cover; cook on High heat setting 6 to 8 hours.
• Remove bay leaves. Serve beans over rice. Note: This recipe was tested in slow cookers with heating elements in the side and bottom of the cooker, not in cookers that stand only on a heated base. For slow cookers with just a heated base, follow the manufacturer's directions for layering ingredients and choosing a temperature.