Sweet N Spicy Black Beans

Perfectly balancing rich, smoky heat with a touch of natural sweetness, Sweet N Spicy Black Beans are a flavorful and versatile addition to your mealtime repertoire. This quick and easy recipe combines tender black beans with a zesty blend of tomato paste, ground cumin, chili powder, and a hint of cayenne, all brightened by a splash of apple cider vinegar and subtle sweetness from honey or maple syrup. Sautéed onions and garlic infuse deep, aromatic complexity, while fresh cilantro provides a vibrant garnish. Ready in just 30 minutes, these boldly spiced beans can be served as a hearty side, a topping for tacos, or even over rice for a satisfying plant-based main dish. Whether you’re seeking a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing vegan option, this dish packs a mouthwatering punch of flavor in every bite. Keywords: sweet and spicy black beans, smoky black bean recipe, vegan black beans, quick black bean side dish, plant-based Mexican recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed) Black beans
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 small (finely chopped) Onion
• 2 cloves (minced) Garlic
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• 2 teaspoons Apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 0.25 teaspoon (optional, adjust to desired heat level) Cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon (or to taste) Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Water or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish) Fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Add the tomato paste, honey (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to develop the flavors.

Step 5

Pour in the water or vegetable broth, stirring well to create a smooth sauce.

Step 6

Add the black beans to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly in the sauce.

Step 7

Lower the heat to medium-low and let the beans simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 9

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side or over rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(700.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	620.4

Total Fat 18.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2867.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 95.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.0g	0%
Total Sugars 30.0g
Protein 24.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 254.4mg	0%
Iron 9.1mg	0%
Potassium 706.7mg	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: 25.4%

Protein: 15.1%

Carbs: 59.5%