Rich & Smoky Black Beans Recipe

This smoky black beans recipe is my go-to when I’m short on time but still want something full of flavour and satisfying. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s made with simple kitchen staples that come together in one pan.

A versatile, protein-packed dish — serve them with rice, sweet potatoes, or flatbread. They’re even better the next morning with eggs and toasted bread for a hearty brunch.

Baked jacket potato (sweet potato) with black beans and a leafy salad, drizzled with olive oil

Ingredients

½ teaspoon cumin seeds

½ teaspoon coriander seeds

1 teaspoon ghee or olive oil

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

1-inch piece of fresh ginger, finely chopped

½–¾ teaspoon salt, to taste

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

Pinch of smoked paprika

Pinch of ground cinnamon

Pinch of cacao powder

Fresh coriander to garnish

Method

1. Crush the cumin and coriander seeds in a pestle and mortar until finely ground.

2. Heat a stainless steel pan over medium heat. Add the ghee and crushed spices.

3. When the spices become fragrant and begin to sizzle, add the sliced onion and ginger. Stir to coat them in the ghee, then cover and cook gently. Add a splash of water if the onions start to stick.

4. Once the onions are golden and caramelised, add the black beans, salt, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and cacao powder. Stir well and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavours to combine.

5. Finish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions:

This smoky black bean recipe adapts well to different meals. Try serving it with:

• Steamed rice

• Baked or jacket potatoes

• Sweet potatoes

• Flatbread

• Wrapped in a tortilla

Optional Add-Ins

• Garlic – For extra flavour, add 1–2 cloves of crushed garlic near the end of browning the onions.

• Tomatoes – For a saucier dish, stir in one peeled, finely chopped tomato after the onions have softened. Mash lightly with the back of a spoon and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.

• Turmeric – Boost the antioxidant content of this dish by adding a pinch of turmeric to it once the onions have browned and just before adding the beans.