How to Make a Homemade Black Beans

Homemade Black Beans: So Much Better Than Canned!

Let's be honest, canned black beans are convenient. But homemade? Way better. This guide shows you how to make perfectly cooked, flavorful black beans from scratch. It's easier than you think!

Why Bother Making Your Own?

Canned beans are quick, I get it. But homemade beans have a depth of flavor you just can't get from a can. Plus, you control the ingredients. Healthier and tastier? Yes, please!

Choosing the Right Beans

Start with good beans. Look for dried black beans that are a nice, uniform size and dark color. Avoid any that are cracked or broken; those won't cook evenly.

You'll mostly find standard black turtle beans. They’re perfect for cooking and have a great, earthy flavor.

Soaking: A Big Deal

Soaking your beans before cooking cuts down on cooking time and makes them easier to digest. Here are two ways to soak:

1. Quick Soak: Boil the beans, then let them sit for an hour or four. Fast, but maybe not as soft.
2. Overnight Soak: Cover the beans with lots of water and soak them in the fridge for 8-12 hours. This makes the softest, most flavorful beans.

Important: Always rinse the beans really well after soaking.

Cooking Your Beans: Two Easy Methods

Once soaked, cooking is a breeze. Here are two methods:

Method 1: Stovetop

1. Combine rinsed beans and six cups of water (per cup of beans) in a big pot.
2. Add some aromatics: a bay leaf, a quartered onion, some crushed garlic, and a teaspoon of salt. Get creative with spices later!
3. Boil, then simmer on low for 1-1.5 hours, or until tender. Stir now and then.
4. Remove the aromatics and taste. Add more salt, pepper, or whatever spices you like.

Method 2: Instant Pot

Want it faster? Use an Instant Pot!

1. Combine beans, water, and aromatics in your Instant Pot.
2. Cook on high pressure for 35-45 minutes (depending on how old your beans are and how soft you want them).
3. Let the pressure release naturally for at least 20 minutes, then manually release any leftover pressure.
4. Remove the aromatics and season.

Recipe Ideas: So Many Choices!

Once cooked, the possibilities are endless!

1. Simple Black Bean Salad:

Mix your beans with chopped red onion, bell peppers, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. Easy and delicious!

2. Black Bean Burgers:

Mash the beans with breadcrumbs, spices, and an egg (or flaxseed meal). Yummy vegetarian burgers!

3. Black Bean Soup:

Add your beans to broth with carrots, celery, onions, and spices like cumin and chili powder.

4. Black Bean Chili:

Combine beans with other beans, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and your favorite chili spices.

5. Black Bean Salsa:

Try a black bean salsa with tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice. It’s a fun twist!

Tips for Bean Perfection

• Don't overcook: You want tender, not mushy beans.
• Season well: Black beans love bold flavors.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze them: Cooked black beans freeze great! Portion them out for easy use later.

The Bottom Line

Making your own black beans is so worth it. The flavor is amazing, and it’s not that hard. Give it a try—you won't regret it!