Simple Seasoned Black Beans
Submitted by lesa
Cumin-spiced black beans simmered with sauteed onion, garlic, and lemon juice, served over brown rice or whole wheat couscous. A budget-friendly, protein-packed vegan meal.
YIELD
6 servingsPREP
15 minCOOK
45 minREADY
60 minCanned black beans go from boring to brilliant with about 15 minutes of effort and a few pantry staples.
Onion and garlic sizzle in olive oil until golden, then the beans and their liquid go in. Mashing a quarter of the beans against the side of the pot thickens the sauce into something creamy and stew-like without adding a thing.
Cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper round out the flavor, and a low simmer lets everything come together.
Spoon it over brown rice or whole wheat couscous and crumble some tortilla chips on top for crunch. This is the kind of cheap, filling meal that you’ll make on repeat.
Kitchen Tips
- Save the bean liquid from the cans. That starchy liquid is what gives the sauce its body. Don’t drain and rinse or you’ll lose all that natural thickening power.
- Mash the beans right against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon. No need to dirty a separate bowl or masher.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end is what makes this sing. It brightens the earthy beans and cuts through the richness of the cumin.
- Top with diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of fresh cilantro to make it feel like a whole new meal every time.
Ingredients
Directions
Heat oil in a large saucepan.
Add onion and sauté over moderate heat until translucent.
Add garlic and sauté until onion is golden.
Add beans and bean liquid and bring to a simmer.
Mash about a quarter of the beans with the back of a wooden spoon to thicken the liquid.
Add lemon juice, cumin, salt and pepper, simmer over very low heat for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare grain.
For brown rice, follow package instruction.
For couscous, boil 4 cups water and combine with couscous in a heat-proof container; cover thghtly and let sit for 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Serve bean mixture over grain.
Garnish with tortilla chips if desired.
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