Are you ready to transform humble dried black beans into a mouthwatering, restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort? This slow-cooker Mexican black bean recipe is about to become your new kitchen superhero! Imagine coming home to a pot of rich, perfectly tender beans that are packed with flavor and require almost zero hands-on cooking time. Whether you're a busy professional, a meal prep enthusiast, or simply someone who loves delicious, nutritious food, these crock pot black beans will revolutionize your cooking routine.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried black beans, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Sort through the dried black beans, removing any small stones or damaged beans. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dust or debris.
- Peel and finely chop the onion. Crush and mince the garlic cloves, releasing their aromatic oils.
- Add the rinsed black beans to the crock pot, ensuring they are spread evenly across the bottom of the pot.
- Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the beans.
- Measure and add the ground cumin, distributing it evenly across the beans and vegetables.
- Carefully pour the vegetable broth over the beans, making sure all beans are submerged. The liquid should cover the beans by about 1-2 inches.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set to low heat setting.
- Cook the beans for 8 hours, allowing them to slowly simmer and become tender. Avoid lifting the lid too frequently to maintain consistent temperature.
- After 8 hours, check the beans for tenderness. They should be soft but not mushy.
- Add salt to taste, stirring gently to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Let the beans rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Always sort and rinse your dried beans thoroughly to remove any debris or small stones that might affect the texture and taste.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a ham hock during cooking to enhance the depth of taste.
- Avoid adding salt at the beginning of cooking, as it can prevent the beans from softening properly. Season with salt only towards the end of the cooking process.
- If your beans seem too dry during cooking, don't hesitate to add a bit more vegetable broth to keep them moist.
- For a smoother texture, you can partially mash some of the beans after cooking to create a creamier consistency.
- These beans freeze beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for quick and easy future meals.
- For added nutrition and flavor, experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika, oregano, or a splash of lime juice before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
