How to Cook Black Beans

From its first cultivation in Peru to becoming a staple food in entire South America, black beans have come a long way. Full of protein, fibers and anti-oxidants, they are a great delight for people who like to have a wholesome diet. They contain small amounts of omega 3 fatty acids which is three times more than what is available in other beans. They also contain high amount of iron, which is specifically very beneficial for pregnant women. Apart from being rich in vitamins and minerals, they serve as a good option in meals as they can be cooked easily. Here is one method to cook your favorite black beans. Read on.

Complexity Level: Basic

Time Required: 15-20 minutes

Resources Required:

1. Black beans

2. Water

3. Onions

4. Garlic

5. Salt

6. Lemon

Instructions:

1. Soak the beans overnight

You will be required to soak beans. You should prefer to keep them soaking in a nice cool place for best results. Drain the remaining water completely before cooking the beans.

2. Add extra flavor

Chop some garlic and onions to render some good flavors to the beans. Take a pan and pour sufficient oil in it. Sauté it for a few minutes so that they give off the flavor.

3. Cook the beans

Now empty all the beans in the pan in which you have cooked garlic and onions. Add sufficient water in the pot, mostly a few inches over the beans so that they cook properly. Let the beans cook over high heat.

4. Do not overcook

Once the beans come to a boil, reduce the heat and cook the beans for an hour. Care should be taken to see that the beans do not over cook and are not mushy and tender or too soft. The beans will start giving off good flavors at this time. Add salt according to taste.

5. Serve hot

This dish should be served hot. Add lime juice in it to taste best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I make Cuban black bean soup?

For cooking Cuban black bean soup you will require 2 cups of dried black beans, 2 cups of celery, 1 medium onion, 4 cloves, 1 ham hock, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoon salt fresh lime juice, salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, ¼ cup dry sherry, 1 bay leaf and 6 lemon slices. You will have to rinse the beans and soak the beans overnight. Before cooking drain all the water completely. Now boil the beans till they are tender which may be for 1 to 1-1/2 hour. Add celery ham, onions, and bay leaf and let the beans cook. Remove the bay leaves and cloves from the soup. Add sherry before serving the soup and garnish with lemon slices.

Quick Tips:

1. The time to cook these black beans will vary according to the age of dried beans. Beans which are older will take more time to cook whereas black beans which are younger in age will take less time as they contain moisture.

2. Good amount of pre-soaking the beans will reduce time of cooking the beans. You are advised to cover the beans with 2 inches of water so that they can expand sufficiently.

3. Please take care to see that the black beans you buy are of good quality as they may contain small stones that are good enough to break your teeth.

Things To Watch Out For:

Make sure that the black beans are sufficiently cooked before taking them off fire.