Yep, it's been another wonderful summer. My kids go back to school next week so this is our last week to enjoy the random, no-schedule, lazy days of summer.
A highlight of this summer was hosting dinner for two of my favorite friends and their kids. We all enjoyed Black Beans and Rice with all the necessary accoutrements (i.e., tomatoes, avocado, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, etc.). I finally found the best way to cook dried black beans! The key is NOT to do the overnight soaking but rather the quick boil/hour soak. I will never used canned black beans for this type of recipe ever again. I mean it. This recipe is too easy and the results are too delicious.
A highlight of this summer was hosting dinner for two of my favorite friends and their kids. We all enjoyed Black Beans and Rice with all the necessary accoutrements (i.e., tomatoes, avocado, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, etc.). I finally found the best way to cook dried black beans! The key is NOT to do the overnight soaking but rather the quick boil/hour soak. I will never used canned black beans for this type of recipe ever again. I mean it. This recipe is too easy and the results are too delicious.
Pot
of Black Beans
Adapted from an Epicurious recipe.
2 lb. dried black beans, rinsed
under cold water, picked over to remove any debris
1
onion, halved
3
garlic cloves, peeled, lightly crushed
2
bay leaves
1-2
Tbsp. kosher salt
1
Tbsp. dried oregano
1
Tbsp. ground cumin
Place beans in a large
heavy pot and cover with water by 2". Cover pot and bring to a boil over
high heat, then remove from heat. Let sit 1 hour.
Uncover and add more
water if needed to cover by 2". Stir in onion, garlic, bay leaves, salt,
oregano, and cumin. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Partially cover beans with lid, reduce
heat to low, and simmer, checking after
Serve beans immediately
or let cool completely, then transfer beans and cooking liquid to airtight
containers.
*Beans can
be made 5 days ahead. Cover and chill, or freeze up to 3 months.
*The oregano and cumin can be modified easily - add more or less to suit your tastes. But don't add extra salt! It really cooks down so more would be too much.
*I also had great success making only 1 pound of dried beans at a time. I used only 1 teaspoon each of salt, oregano, and cumin, 1 garlic clove, but still used the 2 bay leaves and one onion.
*The oregano and cumin can be modified easily - add more or less to suit your tastes. But don't add extra salt! It really cooks down so more would be too much.
*I also had great success making only 1 pound of dried beans at a time. I used only 1 teaspoon each of salt, oregano, and cumin, 1 garlic clove, but still used the 2 bay leaves and one onion.
