Black beans have a firmer texture and nuttier flavor than pinto beans. The amazing flavors from various spices transform black beans into a high-class culinary experience! Whether you want to reduce your food bill, cut down on meat, or go completely vegetarian, beans are a great source of cheap and nutritious protein. And armed with these fabulicious recipes, even your pickiest eater will enjoy black beans! So whip up some of our delicious black beans for dinner and enjoy!
1. Black Beans and Rice
This recipe is super delicious and has the perfect blend of spices! I love all of the aromatic flavors, and the spices are all inspired by Puerto Rican, Mexican, and Cuban rice and bean dishes. You can serve this recipe as a main dish in itself, but I love to pair it with a sweet and spicy jerk chicken for more protein. You can also serve it with pulled pork since the smoky flavor of the meat balances well with the rice. If you have any leftovers, you can store black beans and rice in an airtight food storage container and keep them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
2. Black Bean Soup
This soup recipe is the perfect meal to cozy up to on a cold and rainy day. Black beans add a hearty, healthy depth to this soup that makes it out of this world! A good hearty soup is always best enjoyed with bread to soak it up, and there is no doubt that this pineapple jalapeno cornbread is perfect for bean soup. You can also dip some crispy homemade tortilla chips into the soup. Freeze the leftover soup in a freezer-safe container, then heat it for a quick meal! Just make sure to keep an inch or two of space in the container to allow the soup to expand.
3. African Black Bean Stew
African black beans stew is my all-time favorite childhood comfort food. The crayfish, beans, onions, and ginger always fill my house with smells of warmth and childhood memories. Starchy foods go best with this stew. My favorite way to eat this dish is with caramelized fried sweet plantains or soft bread. You can freeze this stew in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to three months. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop and enjoy a quick and easy meal.
4. Baked Stuffed Plantains With Black Beans (Vegan)
This baked plantains stuffed with black beans recipe is sweet, savory, and vegan-friendly! Sweet plantains have always been one of my favorite side dishes, and with this recipe, you can enjoy tasty plantains in a low-calorie dish. I love to make this recipe with a side of my delicious Jollof Rice. These scrumptious delicacies can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of three days in an airtight container.
5. Instant Pot Black Beans
Quick and easy instant pot black beans? You got it! This recipe is filling and pairs well with many different dishes. You can even make a delicious meal with these Instant Pot Black Beans and Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp wrapped up with homemade tortillas. Yum! You can store these in the fridge for 5-7 days.
6. Black Bean and Corn Salad
Black bean and corn salad is the perfect summer salad for your next BBQ! Adding beans to your salad will keep you full and satisfied for hours. The sweetness of the corn is also a perfect contrast to their taste and texture. This salad is delicious with a light protein such as BBQ chicken or Garlic Butter Shrimp. Use an airtight storage container and keep this black bean and corn salad in the refrigerator for up to four days.
7. Grilled Pineapple Black Bean Salsa
I love the refreshing taste of this light, sweet, and tangy black bean salsa. The bold flavors all compliment one another perfectly. Salsa goes best with tacos, so it is no surprise that this salsa would go well with jerk tacos. Grilled pineapple black bean salsa stores very well in the fridge for up to seven days. In fact, it even tastes even better the day after you make it since all of the flavors blend better!
8. African Rice and Beans
Spicy and flavorful African rice and beans is a traditional African dish that is simply divine. I love the spices, onions, and garlic that make this dish super aromatic and tasty. Try it with Baked chicken legs for a well-balanced meal. African rice and beans can last in the coldest part of the fridge for 5-7 days.
