Simple Black Beans

Elevate your weeknight meals with this quick and flavorful recipe for Simple Black Beans, a versatile dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes! This easy-to-follow recipe combines pantry staples like canned black beans, aromatic garlic, and onions with warming spices such as cumin and optional smoked paprika for a taste that’s both comforting and vibrant. Simmered in a splash of vegetable broth and brightened with fresh lime juice, these black beans are perfectly seasoned and packed with plant-based protein. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness, and serve as a hearty side dish, taco filling, or atop rice bowls. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy cooks looking for a healthy, budget-friendly option.

Nutriscore Rating: 85/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked black beans (canned or pre-cooked)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 0.5 cup vegetable broth or water
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a medium skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 2

Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground cumin and smoked paprika (if using), stirring to coat the onions and garlic in the spices.

Step 5

Pour in the cooked black beans and vegetable broth (or water), stirring to combine.

Step 6

Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste as needed.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the beans for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and the beans have absorbed the flavors.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice.

Step 9

Serve warm as a side dish or as part of your favorite meal, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(713.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	619.8

Total Fat 16.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2577.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 90.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.4g	0%
Total Sugars 4.4g
Protein 31.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 237.2mg	0%
Iron 9.9mg	0%
Potassium 1476.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.4%

Protein: 19.7%

Carbs: 56.9%