Simple Spiced Black Beans

Name: Simple Spiced Black Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound dry black beans, rinsed and picked over; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 6 cups vegetable broth or water; 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

These tender black beans are packed with flavor and come together without any soaking required.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 American· July 19, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

10 minutes

Cook

90 minutes

Total

1 hour 40 minutes

Serves

This has been my go to black bean recipe for years because it is so easy to pull together on a busy weeknight. I love that you do not need to worry about soaking them overnight, which means you can have a warm and healthy side dish ready whenever the craving hits.

My secret to getting the best texture is to simmer them gently until the liquid turns into a creamy sauce. If you want a bit more heat, feel free to add an extra pinch of chili flakes or a fresh diced jalapeno to the pot.

🧺 Ingredients

1 pound dry black beans, rinsed and picked over
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
6 cups vegetable broth or water
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2
Add the onion and cook until it is soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the garlic, cumin, and chili powder and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4
Add the rinsed black beans, broth or water, and the bay leaf to the pot.
5
Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
6
Simmer the beans for 60 to 90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the liquid has thickened.
7
Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

💡 Tips

These beans taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld in the fridge. You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze them for up to three months. Serve these over steamed rice or tucked inside warm tortillas for a quick meal.

#Healthy #Vegetarian #Vegan #High Protein #Side Dish

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