Mexican Style Frijoles Negros Recipe – Black Beans Curry
This Mexican Style Frijoles Negros, or Black Beans Curry, is a quintessential dish with rich flavors that epitomize the heart of Mexican cuisine. Often found across Latin American countries like Cuba, Venezuela, and beyond, this dish is a comforting, wholesome one-pot meal that highlights the versatility and nourishment of black beans. As simple as it is delicious, it’s a mainstay in every household and is a great example of a healthy, vegetarian dish that’s easy to prepare and full of depth.

Serve it with Herbed Butter Rice and a side of Spicy Stir Fried Broccoli, and for a sweet ending, indulge in Tres Leches Cake, a rich Mexican dessert, to make this meal complete.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Course: Main Course
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4-5
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Black beans (soaked for 8 hours or overnight) | 1 cup |
Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
Green capsicum (finely chopped) | 1 |
Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
Bay leaf (tej patta) | 1 |
Cumin powder (Jeera) | ½ teaspoon |
Dried oregano | ½ teaspoon |
Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon + extra for seasoning |
Salt | To taste |
Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
Pimiento-stuffed green olives (thinly sliced) | ¼ cup |
Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
Coriander (Dhania) leaves (finely chopped) | 4 sprigs |
Instructions
-
Preparation:
Start by preparing all your ingredients—chop the onion, green capsicum, and garlic, slice the olives, and measure out your spices. Make sure the black beans have been soaked in warm water for at least 8 hours or overnight for the best texture. -
Sautéing the Vegetables:
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion, green capsicum, garlic, and bay leaf. Sauté these ingredients until the onion and capsicum have softened, which should take around 5 minutes. -
Cooking the Beans:
Add the soaked black beans to the pressure cooker along with the dried oregano, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper powder. Stir everything together, ensuring the beans are well-coated in the spices. Now, add enough water so that the water level is at least 2 inches above the beans. -
Pressure Cooking:
Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and cook the beans on medium-high heat for about 5 to 6 whistles. Once the 5-6 whistles are done, reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for another 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. -
Final Touches:
Once the pressure has released, carefully open the cooker. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, sugar, and sliced green olives. The vinegar adds a nice tangy contrast to the richness of the beans, while the olives bring in a hint of briny flavor. Leave a few olives aside for garnishing the dish. -
Garnish and Serve:
Finally, stir in the chopped coriander leaves (cilantro) for a fresh, herbaceous finish. Transfer the Frijoles Negros to a serving bowl and garnish with the reserved olives for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Mexican Style Frijoles Negros with a side of Herbed Butter Rice and a plate of Spicy Stir Fried Broccoli for a well-rounded meal. Don’t forget to end your meal on a sweet note with a slice of Tres Leches Cake for the perfect Mexican-inspired feast.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 235 |
Protein | 10g |
Carbohydrates | 38g |
Dietary Fiber | 12g |
Fat | 7g |
Saturated Fat | 1g |
Sodium | 380mg |
Potassium | 450mg |
Sugars | 5g |
Vitamin A | 8% of daily value |
Vitamin C | 18% of daily value |
Calcium | 4% of daily value |
Iron | 15% of daily value |
Pro Tip: For a spicier kick, feel free to add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes to the curry while sautéing the vegetables.
This Frijoles Negros recipe not only delivers authentic Mexican flavors but also makes for a wholesome, nutrient-packed meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s perfect for weeknights or any time you crave a satisfying vegetarian dish with rich, savory goodness.