Calling all black bean and spice enthusiasts! If you're looking to elevate the beloved black bean to new heights of flavor, then this spicy black beans recipe is for you. It's remarkable how just a few simple spices and peppers can transform humble canned beans into a culinary masterpiece bursting with vibrant taste.
These spicy black beans can be served as a zesty side dish, spooned over fluffy rice or garlic chipotle quinoa, added to a burrito bowl, or stuffed into tacos or breakfast wrap for a fiery twist.
If you are in the mood for other black bean recipes then you must checkout these vegan black bean spinach enchiladas and cozy slow cooker pumpkin chili.
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Ingredients
This recipe requires 10 ingredients.
- Black beans
- Red onion
- Green bell pepper
- Jalapeño pepper
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Spices: Cumin and smoked paprika
- Salt
- Lime juice
- Avocado oil
- Optional: When pairing with rice or quinoa, I like to serve these spicy black beans with a side of crisp red cabbage, lightly dressed with lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. This not only adds a vibrant crunch and color to the dish but also complements the flavors perfectly.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the red onions and sauté for approximately 4 minutes until they turn translucent and fragrant.
Add the bell pepper and jalapeño to the skillet, and continue sautéing for an additional 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the black beans to the skillet along with the cumin, paprika, salt, chipotle peppers with adobo sauce, and lime juice. Stir everything together well, making sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the aromatic spices. Let the flavors meld together over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve them hot over rice, quinoa or as a flavorful addition to tacos, burritos, or burrito bowls.
Hint: No need to rinse the black beans for this recipe. However, depending on the brand you use, there may be varying amounts of liquid in the can. To ensure the best texture and flavor in your dish, I recommend draining excess liquid from the canned black beans by pouring them into a colander. If you're following a low-sodium diet, opt for black beans labeled "No Salt Added." Alternatively, rinsing your black beans can help reduce their sodium content."
Substitutions / Variations
This recipe is vegan, gluten free, and free of the top 9 allergies.
- Spicy - if you don't like spicy, yet found yourself here and are interested in making this recipe with less spice then leave out the chipotle peppers and the jalapeño. You could add in an additional bell pepper instead.
- Bell peppers - speaking of peppers, feel free to use any color of bell pepper in this recipe.
- Onion - white onion can be used instead of a red onion.
- Garlic - add 2-3 garlic cloves or 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder for additional flavor.
Health Benefits of Beans
Eating beans offers a multitude of health benefits, making them a nutritious addition to any diet. Here are 8 reasons why beans are good for us:
- Rich in Protein: Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a great option for plant-based eaters. Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall health.
- High in Fiber: Beans are loaded with dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, promotes bowel regularity, helps control blood sugar levels, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness at meals.
- Low in Fat: Most beans are naturally low in fat, particularly saturated fat, making them a heart-healthy choice. Consuming foods low in saturated fat can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Complex Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates found in beans are predominantly complex carbohydrates, which are digested slowly, providing a steady source of energy and helping to stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Beans are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. These nutrients play various roles in maintaining overall health, such as supporting immune function, promoting bone health, and aiding in red blood cell formation.
- May Lower Cholesterol: Some studies suggest that regular consumption of beans may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Supports Longevity: A study conducted in 2005 revealed that incorporating just one serving (equivalent to ½ cup) of beans per day was linked to a 38 percent reduction in the risk of heart attack.(1) Another study from 2004 indicated that consuming approximately 20 grams (roughly an ounce) of legumes extended lifespan by an impressive average of eight years.(2) Finally, in 2012, a study showed that women in Taiwan who didn't eat beans had a higher chance of passing away from any cause.(3) These findings underscore the important role that legumes, such as beans, can play in promoting heart health and potentially extending longevity.
- Versatile and Budget-Friendly: Beans are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, from soups and stews to salads, dips, and even desserts. Additionally, they are relatively inexpensive, making them an affordable option for individuals and families on a budget.
Equipment
Minimal equipment needed for this recipe, all you need is a skillet, sauté pan, or wok to sauté the veggies and simmer the black beans.
Storage
Leftovers will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store in an air tight container.
Related
Looking for other bean-based recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with these spicy black beans:
Spicy Black Beans
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil, alternatively you could use 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable broth or water to make this recipe oil free
- ½ red onion, diced
- ½ green bell pepper chopped
- 2 cans black beans
- 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
- 2 chipotle peppers, (canned in adobo sauce), diced + 1 teaspoon of adobo sauce from can
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ lime, juiced. *Can slice the other half into wedges and use for garnishing
OPTIONAL:
- More lime wedges for garnish
- Cilantro
- Red cabbage, thinly sliced. See notes below.
- Avocado slices
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium heat. Add the red onions and sauté for approximately 4 minutes until they turn translucent and fragrant.
- Next, incorporate the bell pepper and jalapeño, continuing to sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Once the vegetables are tender, introduce the black beans into the skillet along with the spices (cumin, paprika), salt, chipotle peppers with adobo sauce, and lime juice. Stir the mixture thoroughly, ensuring that all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the aromatic spices. Allow the flavors to meld together over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Your spicy black beans are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them hot over rice, quinoa or as a flavorful addition to tacos, burritos, or burrito bowls.
Notes
References:
- Kabagambe EK, Baylin A, Ruiz-Narvarez E, Siles X, Campos H. Decreased consumption of dried mature beans is positively associated with urbanization and nonfatal acute myocardial infarction. J Nutr. 2005 Jul;135(7):1770-5. doi: 10.1093/jn/135.7.1770. PMID: 15987863.
- Darmadi-Blackberry I, Wahlqvist ML, Kouris-Blazos A, Steen B, Lukito W, Horie Y, Horie K. Legumes: the most important dietary predictor of survival in older people of different ethnicities. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2004;13(2):217-20. PMID: 15228991.
- Chang WC, Wahlqvist ML, Chang HY, Hsu CC, Lee MS, Wang WS, Hsiung CA. A bean-free diet increases the risk of all-cause mortality among Taiwanese women: the role of the metabolic syndrome. Public Health Nutr. 2012 Apr;15(4):663-72. doi: 10.1017/S1368980011002151. Epub 2011 Sep 7. PMID: 21899787.
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