Salty, Delicious Restaurant-Style Black Beans

If there’s one thing I can’t get enough of, it’s a big pot of salty black beans. I’ll never forget the first time I realized this. It was my husband’s sisters wedding weekend and my someday sister-in-law made a crock of rice and beans that was to die for.

When I asked her how she made them, her only response was, “a little of this, a little of that.“

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I tried my hand at them a few times over the years, to no avail. Always too much cumin, never enough salt. Rice was always half crunchy, half mush. But this last time? I finally got it.

Well, mostly.

I still haven’t figured out the rice bit, so I just cook a pot of it on the side. The beans are really what count.

Black beans are a delicious, satisfying protein, and SO versatile! You can serve them alongside or in tacos, quesadillas, and fajitas, eat plain or with grains, with cornbread, or you could even process them and eat them with chips or veggies. Frankly, I’ll eat them alongside a bagel for breakfast. 

Also, they’re crazy inexpensive, so get ready to stock up for the next apocalypse or use them as a side dish for your next fiesta. (Hello burrito bar!)

And did I mention that my kids love them? 

Seriously, this kid can’t get enough. 

Bonus: Beans are totally freezable, so if this makes more than you can consume in a few days, just pop them in the freezer. 

Enough about how much I love beans. Here’s the recipe! 

Restaurant-Style Black Beans

2 c. dried black beans

1 t. cumin

2 t. chili powder 

2 bay leaves

¼ t. garlic powder 

½ t. onion powder

1 t. oregano 

2 ½ t. salt

Soak beans overnight or for at least six hours. Drain and rinse.

Stove top: Add all ingredients into a stove top crock. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for two hours or until beans are desired firmness. Remove cover and simmer to desired consistency.

Crockpot: Cook beans on high for several hours to desired firmness. Remove lid and cook away liquid to desired consistency. 

Serve or store for another day! 

(Note: these are not spicy. If you dig a kick, add in some cayenne or top with hot sauce.)

What do you love to serve with beans? Share in the comments below!

—Funky Crunchy Mama