Learn how to cook black beans from scratch! Creamy and flavorful, they're a delicious side dish or component in black bean recipes like tacos and enchiladas.
Recipe by Jeanine Donofrio on February 6, 2021
Prep time: PT10M
Cook time: PT80M
Total time: PT90M
Rating
4.78 stars (35 reviews)
Keywords
black bean recipes, black beans, how to cook black beans
Ingredients
2 cups dried black beans
8 cups water (plus more as needed)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 (3-inch) piece kombu (rinsed, optional (see note))
3 garlic cloves (grated)
Chili powder
Mexican oregano
Lime juice and zest
Chopped fresh cilantro
Categories
Component
Side Dish
Cuisine
American
Mexican
Tex Mex
Steps
Place the beans in a large colander and sort through them to remove and discard any stones or debris.
Rinse the beans and transfer them to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the water, cumin, olive oil, salt, and several grinds of pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, add the kombu, if using, and simmer, uncovered, until the beans are tender. I like to check mine starting at 1 hour, and every 15 minutes after that. Depending on the freshness of your beans, it could take up to 2½ hours. Add more water to the pot, as needed, to keep your beans submerged.
Remove the kombu and add the garlic during the last few minutes of cooking.
Season the beans as you like, adding chili powder, oregano, and more salt and pepper, if desired. Let the beans cool in the cooking liquid (I like how it gets nice and thick). Just before serving, stir in lime juice, zest, and cilantro, if desired.
