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Black beans are a pantry staple that can be used in a variety of dishes. They’re inexpensive, versatile, and boast many nutritional benefits. Keep a few cans of pre-cooked or a bag of dried beans on hand so you can whip up tasty recipes with black beans any day of the week!
Black beans, whether dried or canned, are a handy ingredient to keep in your pantry. They are a wonderful addition to recipes for any time of day. Try them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers and snacks, and even dessert!
If you have a can or bag in your pantry, you won’t go hungry! Their mild flavor and meaty texture lends itself well to a variety of dishes. Check out this collection of easy vegan recipes with black beans!
Nutritional highlights
Black beans are in the legume family and, like all legumes, are high in protein and fiber. They also contain good amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, folate, copper, and zinc.
They have been said to support healthy bones, lower blood pressure, stabilize blood sugars, and maintain healthy digestion. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that may help to prevent disease. [source]
How to cook black beans
Canned beans are already cooked and are ready to be eaten. I love them for convenience as they’re ready to be thrown into all sorts of easy recipes with black beans. I recommend rinsing the beans well under cold water to remove the excess salt and starch and to get rid of any metallic taste they might have picked up from the can. Some recipes will call for using the beans along with the liquid from the can. In these cases, there is no need to rinse them.
Dried beans need to be soaked before cooking if you plan to cook them on the stovetop. If you’re cooking them in a pressure cooker or slow cooker, it may not be necessary to soak them first, but it will cut down on cook time. It is also thought that soaking the beans may alleviate some of the properties that cause gas and bloating.
First, pick through the beans to ensure there are no rocks or stones, then rinse them well under cold water to remove any dust and debris. Soak the beans for 9-12 hours or overnight in a large pot of water. Make sure to use enough water to cover all of the beans. After soaking, rinse them well and cook using your preferred method.
Stovetop directions
Soak them first, see above. Use a large pot and cover the beans with water by 2 to 3 inches. Bring them to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Start checking for doneness after an hour, but know that depending on the age of the beans, it could take several hours.
Drain any remaining water.
Instant Pot directions
While you don’t necessarily need to soak the beans first when cooking an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, it will cut down on cooking time.
You’ll need 3 cups of water for every cup of dried beans.
Under high-pressure and the steam-release valve set to Sealing, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, with a 15-minute natural release. If you want your beans on the firmer side, cook for 8 minutes. If you want them a bit softer, cook for 10 minutes.
If you don’t soak them first, you’ll need to cook for 25-30 minutes under high-pressure, with a 15-minute natural release.
Drain any remaining water.
Slow cooker directions
For the slow cooker method, you’ll need 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of beans.
Soaking doesn’t make much of a difference on time when using a slow cooker. See above under “Do I need to soak them?” for other reasons you may choose to do so.
Cook the dried beans beans for 3 to 4 hours on High or 7 to 8 hours on Low. The cook time will vary depending on the age of the beans. Older beans will take longer. Start checking for doneness at the above listed times and cook longer if needed.
Drain any excess water after cooking.
Storage and freezing
Unopened canned beans will last in the pantry for about a year.
Dried beans, stored in a dry, cool place, will last at least one year, potentially longer. Older beans, however, may need longer cooking times and sometimes won’t soften at all no matter how long you cook them.
Once cooked, they can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Or you can transfer them to a freezer safe plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
I like to store them in 1 ½ cup measurements, which is equivalent to a 15-ounce can, as most recipes with black beans call for this amount.
Pro tips and tricks
~ Canned beans can be used as is, but rinsing them is a good idea to remove any excess salt and starch
~ For dried beans, pick them over and remove any rocks or stones
~ Rinse them well under cold water to remove any dust and debris
~ Soak dry beans for 12 hours or overnight to reduce cooking time
~ Cover with water by at least 2 to 3 inches as they will expand as they cook
~ Do not add salt to the cooking water until the beans are tender, as it could prohibit them from cooking properly.Make a big batch and store beans in 1 ½ cup portions (the amount in a 15-ounce can) in the freezer for adding to recipes on the fly.
FAQs
Black beans are an excellent source of fiber, protein, and folate. They are a low fat food that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Once cooked, they have a mild taste and creamy texture that pair well with a number of different ingredients. They are often paired with herbs and spices found in Mexican, Spanish, and Caribbean dishes, but you’ll find recipes with black beans in many cuisines around the world.
Dried beans need to be soaked before cooking if you plan to cook them on the stovetop.
If you’re cooking them in a pressure cooker or slow cooker, it may not be necessary to soak them first, but it will cut down on cook time.
It is also thought that soaking the beans may alleviate some of the properties that cause gas and bloating.
Salt or acidic ingredients added too soon in the cooking process can cause the beans to remain tough. Wait to add these seasonings until the beans are already tender.
This may also occur with a batch of older beans. The outer coating tends to change with time and the pores through which water would normally absorb can close, making it impossible for the beans to soften no matter how long you cook them.
More easy vegan recipes with grocery staples
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Vegan Black Bean Recipes
Black beans are healthy and versatile. Keep a few cans of pre-cooked beans or a bag of dried beans in your pantry for a variety of delicious easy meals.
Soups/Stews/Chilis
Black beans hold their shape well even when cooked for long amounts of time, though the inside of the beans get wonderfully creamy. This makes them an ideal choice for soups, stews, and chilis.
Easy Black Bean Soup
Using canned beans and a few other ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this deliciously simple soup comes together in just 30 minutes.
Slow Cooker Black Bean Butternut Squash Chili
Throw it all in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. You can substitute sweet potatoes for the butternut squash if you prefer. Let everyone customize their bowl with the toppings of their choice.
Black Bean Quinoa Chili
Healthy, hearty, and packed with plant protein, this vegan chili recipe is a favorite. The cocoa powder lends a great depth of flavor that balances the flavors beautifully.
Vegan Tortilla Soup
A rich smoky tomato base with plenty of garlic and lime, loaded with veggies and beans, and topped off with crunchy homemade tortilla strips - that's my kind of soup!
Instant Pot Black Bean Soup
Simple and healthy, this soup is made in the pressure cooker to make your life easier. Done in 30 minutes!
Vegetarian Feijoada Recipe
A meatless, vegan version of Brazil's national dish!
Salads and Bowls
Black beans are an easy addition to salads and bowls that brings added protein, fiber, and satiety.
Black Bean Taco Salad
A lighter dish with fresh ingredients, bold flavor, and lots of texture that will have you wanting to reach for seconds.
Super Simple Vegan Burrito Bowl
This is your go-to dinner if you've got a busy schedule and a tight budget. It's made from mostly pantry staples and takes just 20 minutes or less. The avocado sauce, although incredibly tasty, is optional.
Acadian Black Beans and Rice
An updated version of red beans and rice, but with all the Cajun flavors you love.
Mexican Kale Salad
A nutritious flavorful salad topped with a creamy homemade cashew based dressing. I love the addition of the baked veggie chips as a topper instead of tortilla strips. Yum!
Black Bean Plantain Bowl
With the perfect combo of spicy, cool, sweet, and salty, this bowl is nourishing and totally satisfying!
Black Bean Fiesta Bowl
Protein rich quinoa, hearty beans, sweet corn, zesty lime, and smoky chipotle dressing come together in this mouthwatering bowl of goodness.
Tacos and Wraps
Black beans are an easy addition to tacos and wraps as they pair well with a variety of vegetables and spices.
Crunchy Baked Black Bean Mini Tacos
Mini tacos with black beans, creamy avocado, tangy pickled red onions, juicy diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro wrapped in mini tortillas and baked until crispy on the outsides. Great for appetizers, snacks, or dinner!
Black Bean & Zucchini Vegan Enchiladas
These yummy enchiladas are made with mostly pantry staples. The sauce is a blend of white beans and salsa and compliments the black beans and veggies perfectly.
Vegan Breakfast Tacos
A delicious Mexican-inspired protein packed breakfast to start your day off right!
Easy Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos
A quick weeknight meal with spiced sweet potatoes and black beans, pickled red onion, and guacamole!
Vegan Black Bean Avocado Quesadillas
Creamy avocado with black beans, corn, and spices. A delicious dinner or snack you can eat with your hands.
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas
Black beans and creamy roasted sweet potatoes in a smoky tomato sauce and all wrapped up in tortillas and baked until perfection.
Burgers and Patties
Black beans lend themselves perfectly to veggies burgers as they mash well and are mild in flavor, able to take on any seasonings you choose.
Spicy Bean Burgers
With just 4 ingredients, all from your pantry, these burgers can be on your table in just 15 minutes! My kids love these!
Vegan Mexican Burger
A hearty vegan burger with delicious southwest flavors. Easy to make, gluten free, and plenty of protein!
Millet Black Bean Patties
Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, these flavorful gluten-free veggie patties are immensely flavorful served with the Spicy Chipotle Sauce and Pineapple Avocado Salsa.
Baked Black Bean & Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers
Protein, fiber, and veggies all packed into a delicious burger! Vegan, Gluten Free, and Freezer Friendly!
BBQ Vegan Black Bean Burger
Juicy and flavorful, these BBQ Bean Burgers are a delicious weeknight meal!
Easiest Black Bean Burgers
Easy to throw to together with a kick from ginger and jalapeños. Top them off with your favorite burger toppings.
Vegan Spicy Black Bean Quinoa Burger
Spiced black beans, quinoa, bell pepper, and more create this crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, veggie burger.
Pasta and Grains
Easy Cheesy Chili Mac
Combining my famous vegan mac and cheese sauce with pasta, veggies, beans, and southwest spices creates a hearty delicious meal the whole family loves!
Vegan Black Bean Mexican Risotto
A creative spin on creamy risotto! Full of veggies, spice, and texture, this meatless meal is a family fave!
Southwest Black Bean Pasta Salad
This pasta salad comes together easily and it's all coated in a dreamy homemade southwest flavored dairy-free ranch dressing. Makes enough for a crowd!
Southwestern Pasta Salad with Black Bean Dressing
Not only are black beans an ingredient in this pasta salad, but they're also blended up to make the dressing!
Spicy Coconut Quinoa and Black Beans with Pineapple
Flavorful tropical quinoa topped with black beans, salsa, and avocado, and it's all done in your pressure cooker!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Black Beans, Kale and Buckwheat
A comforting casserole of beans, veggies, and grains. Can be made ahead!
Smoky Vegan Rice and Beans
Full of protein and fiber, budget friendly, and versatile.
Appetizers and Snacks
From dips and hummus to finger foods like rollups and taquitos, black beans work well in appetizers, snacks, and party food!
Three Bean Corn Salsa
This dip is always a hit at parties! Scoop it up with tortilla chips or serve it in lettuce boats. Also great stuffed in tacos, enchiladas, or burritos or served over lettuce as a salad.
Southwest Roll Ups
Flavorful bite-size finger food perfect for parties or snacks. Easy to make!
Black Bean Hummus Recipe
Kick your hummus up a notch with this easy black bean version! Perfect with tortilla chips!
Vegan Black Bean Dip
Spicy with the flavors of salsa, this black bean dip is a delicious variation on a classic party dip!
Hippie Harvest Tofu Feta Dip
Up your dip game with this delicious combo! Perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips or adding to tacos and burritos.
Baked taquitos with sweet potatoes
Baked taquitos stuffed with sweet potatoes & black beans. Can be made in the oven or the air-fryer! The crunchy corn tortilla exterior gives way to a smoky, spicy, sweet filling. They make great appetizers, party food, or snacks!
Desserts and Sweet Treats
Yes, it's true! You can even use black beans in dessert recipes! They compliment the flavors of chocolate really well and lend a creamy texture to the finished dish.
Fudgy Mocha Black Bean Brownie Hearts
Creamy black beans take the place of flour in these rich and decadent brownies. Vegan and gluten free!
Black Bean Brownie Batter Dip
Rich, decadent, and secretly healthy, this brownie batter dip is great with fresh fruit, graham crackers, or on a slice of toast.
Easy Black Bean Brownies (Vegan + Oil and Gluten-free)
Rich, fudgy, and gluten free brownies made with healthy ingredients.
Best Vegan Black Bean Brownies with Banana
Black beans sweetened with dates and bananas. So good!
Black Bean Gingerbread Bars
These gingerbread bars are soft, moist, and cake-like. No one will ever guess they're made with sneaky beans!
Chocolate Black Bean Smoothie
This rich chocolately smoothie incorporates sneaky veggies, and of course, black beans, but all you'll taste is deliciousness!
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