Black Bean
Also called black turtle bean, frijoles negros
A small, dark, dense bean with an earthy, almost mushroomy flavor. It cooks to a creamy center and makes a thick, inky broth.
Flavor profile
Aroma: earthy, mushroomy, sweet
Good to know
Origin: Central and South America
Forms: dried, canned, cooked
Storage: Keep dried beans in a sealed container in the pantry. Refrigerate cooked beans for up to five days.
How to use black bean
Keep the Pot Liquor
The dark liquid the beans cook in is full of starch and flavor. Mash a few beans into it for a thick sauce.
Season in Layers
Add aromatics and salt while the beans cook, then finish with lime or vinegar. Acid brightens the earthy flavor.
What goes with black bean
- Rice. Rice and black beans together make a complete, classic combination across Latin America.
- Cumin. Cumin's warm earthiness matches black bean's own earthy flavor.
- Lime. Lime's acid brightens black bean's earthy flavor.
- Cilantro. Fresh cilantro lifts black bean dishes with a bright, citrusy note.
- Tortilla. Black beans are a classic taco and burrito filling, wrapped in a warm tortilla.
- Avocado. Creamy avocado and black beans cool and round out spicy dishes.
- Jalapeño. Jalapeno's green heat suits black beans' creamy earthiness.
- Corn. Sweet corn and black beans are a classic, as in salsa and chili.
- Sweet Potato. Sweet potato's sugar contrasts black bean's earthy flavor in tacos and bowls.
- Sour Cream. Cool sour cream balances spicy black bean dishes.
Mistakes to avoid
- Draining and rinsing away the cooking liquid when you are making soup or refried beans.
- Boiling hard, which splits the skins.
Ideas for tonight
- Black bean tacos with lime and avocado
- Cuban-style black beans over rice
- Black bean soup with sour cream and cilantro
Black Bean: questions
What does black bean taste like?
A small, dark, dense bean with an earthy, almost mushroomy flavor. It cooks to a creamy center and makes a thick, inky broth. Its strongest notes are earthy, with an aroma that is earthy, mushroomy, sweet.
What goes well with black bean?
Black Bean pairs best with rice, cumin, lime, cilantro, tortilla. Rice and black beans together make a complete, classic combination across Latin America.
How do you use black bean in cooking?
Keep the Pot Liquor: the dark liquid the beans cook in is full of starch and flavor. Mash a few beans into it for a thick sauce.
How should you store black bean?
Keep dried beans in a sealed container in the pantry. Refrigerate cooked beans for up to five days.
What is the most common mistake with black bean?
Draining and rinsing away the cooking liquid when you are making soup or refried beans.
