Very Simple Black Beans Caraotas Negras

Discover the rich, comforting flavors of Venezuela with this Very Simple Black Beans (Caraotas Negras) recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights yet deeply satisfying, this dish combines tender, slow-simmered black beans with a fragrant medley of sautéed onions, garlic, and cumin. Enhanced by a touch of olive oil and the subtle aroma of bay leaf, these beans are easy to prepare and packed with plant-based protein. Optional diced bell pepper adds a pop of sweetness, while a garnish of fresh cilantro provides a bright, herbaceous finish. Whether served as a hearty side dish, ladled over steamed rice, or enjoyed on their own, these caraotas negras highlight the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients. With just 20 minutes of prep and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks looking to explore Latin-inspired cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dried black beans
• 4 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 medium Bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 unit Bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried black beans thoroughly under cold water and remove any debris or damaged beans.

Step 2

Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak them for at least 6 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Drain and rinse before cooking.

Step 3

In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, if using, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the soaked and drained black beans to the pot, along with the cumin, salt, black pepper, bay leaf, and 4 cups of water.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 60-90 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to prevent the beans from drying out.

Step 7

Once the beans are soft, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Discard the bay leaf.

Step 8

Serve the black beans hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro, as a side dish or over rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1357.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	575.5

Total Fat 29.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2818.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 61.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.5g	0%
Total Sugars 7.8g
Protein 18.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 176.4mg	0%
Iron 6.2mg	0%
Potassium 1014.1mg	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: 45.6%

Protein: 12.8%

Carbs: 41.6%