Black beans, when even simply cooked, are a delicious base ingredient to have on hand. They lend themselves to a variety of applications throughout the week.
Chef's notes
*Use chiles of your choice for flavor and/or heat. If you want more heat, for example, increase the chile quantity.
Steps
1
Preparing the Black Beans
Ingredients
8 cups water
3 cups dried black beans, soaked overnight
1 dried chile*
3 bay leaves
4 cloves garlic, émince (sliced)
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp chile powder
1 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
First, gather and prepare your mise en place.
To prepare the black beans, in a large pot, add the beans and all spices — except for the salt and pepper.
Next, add the water and bring to a boil. Lower to medium heat, cover with a lid, slightly ajar, and allow to simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until fully cooked through.
During the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking season with the salt and pepper. Once done, taste for flavor balance, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
*Note: Use these beans as the base, to make these delicious Refried Black Beans.
