Learn how to cook dry black beans from scratch. This black beans recipe is easy to make and full of flavor, resulting in a creamy interior while holding its structure and shape. A healthy side dish or perfect to use in salads, Buddha bowls, enchiladas, tacos, soups, and more!
Recipe by Sylvia Fountaine | Feasting at Home on May 8, 2025
Prep time: PT15M
Cook time: PT1H15M
Total time: PT1H30M
Rating
5 stars ( reviews)
Keywords
black bean, black beans, what are black beans, black beans recipe, black bean recipes, easy black beans recipe, how to cook black beans recipe, how to cook dry black beans, dry black bean recipes, how to cook dry black beans from scratch
Ingredients
1 lb. dried black beans (about 2 ¼ cups)
2 teaspoons olive oil, more for drizzling
1 cup onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 bay leaves
8 cups of water
Garnishes- lime, cilantro, jalapeno or chili flakes or cayenne
Categories
side dish
Cuisine
Mexican
Steps
black beans and remove any debris.
Heat oil in a Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Saute onion and garlic, 3-4 minutes, stirring until fragrant. Add the spices, black beans, water, and salt, and give a good stir.
Bring to a rolling boil for 5 minutes.
Cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer gently until tender, yet still holding their shape, 1 to 2 hours. Check at 1 hour, then every 20 minutes.
Or keep them in the cooking liquid.
Squeeze with lime juice, adjust salt and lime to taste, and drizzle with a little olive oil.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: ½ cup (12 servings)
Calories: 149 calories
Carbohydrates: 27.2 g
Protein: 8.5 g
Fat: 1.4 g
Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 594.3 mg
Sugar: 1.7 g
Reviews
Pam B. on 2025-05-08 (5 stars): I made these in my Instant pot. So easy and full of flavor - I put the salt in at the beginning.
I've learned that beans can seem a little mushy when they forst come out of the Instant pot. But if you wait about 10-15 minutes they firm up to the perfect consistency. Thank you... this one's a keeper!
Kristin on 2025-05-10 (5 stars): Thank you for the directions for pressure cooking - the best way to reduce lectins and cook the perfect bean! The additional ingredients here keep the beans flexible for other dishes or as a side dish.
Kelly on 2025-05-10 (5 stars): Made for supper tonight in the Instant Pot. Loaded on a baked sweet potato, crowned with cheddar and an avocado, tomatoes and onion salsa with lots of fresh coriander. They were delicious and healthy.
Diane Gonzales on 2025-05-19 (5 stars): Made these in my IPot. I did end up cooking them longer than the recipe calls for but they were delicious and even got better after a couple of days. Ate them with eggs then made Pupusas with the rest.
My new go to black bean recipe!
Used Rancho Gordo black beans.
