Really Good Black Beans Recipe 🖤🌶️🍲

Overview:

• Name: Black Beans
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Description: These black beans are incredibly delicious and require no soaking beforehand. They can easily be converted to a vegetarian dish by omitting the ham hock and adding extra seasoning for flavor.
• Category: Pork
• Keywords: Black Beans, Beans, Meat, Mexican, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
• Calories: 408.4 per serving
• Servings: One batch
• Yield: Varies

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions, diced
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound black beans
• 12 cups water
• 1 smoked ham hock (optional for non-vegetarian)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 bunch parsley, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 1 smoked ham (optional, for additional flavor)
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a heavy kettle or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until soft and transparent, stirring occasionally.

2. Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the onions and continue sautéing until fragrant and lightly browned.

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3. Add Beans and Seasonings: Pour in the water, black beans, smoked ham hock (if using), bay leaves, chopped parsley, salt, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

4. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Keep an eye on it and skim the surface as needed to remove any foam.

5. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer, partially covered, for about two hours or until several beans test tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if the cooking liquid reduces too much.

6. Remove Ham Hock: Once the beans are tender, remove the ham hock from the pot and set it aside to cool.

7. Adjust Consistency: If the beans are still watery, you can continue to simmer them uncovered until the liquid reduces, or use an immersion blender or the back of a large spoon to puree some of the beans for a thicker consistency.

8. Add Optional Meat: Dice the optional smoked ham and add it to the beans for extra flavor. If using country ham, remember to leave out the additional salt in the beans.

9. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.

10. Prepare Rice: Cook the white rice according to package instructions while the beans are simmering.

11. Prepare Ham Hock: Once the ham hock is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bone and discard any skin or excess fat. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.

12. Serve: To serve, ladle the black beans over a bed of cooked white rice. Top with chunks of the ham hock meat and garnish with additional chopped parsley for freshness and color.

13. Optional Garnish: For an extra burst of flavor, consider garnishing the dish with cilantro, though be mindful that it has a strong and distinct taste that may not appeal to everyone.

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful black bean dish with friends and family, whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive Mexican-themed meal! 🥣🌿