What To Know
- Slow cooker black beans can be used in a variety of dishes, including tacos, burritos, soups, and salads.
- How long do I need to soak the beans before cooking them in the slow cooker.
- You can also add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the slow cooker and cook until the beans reach your desired consistency.
- 1 pound dried black beans
- 8 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Soak the beans: Rinse the black beans and place them in a large bowl. Cover them with water and let them soak overnight.
2. Drain and rinse: After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them thoroughly.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant.
4. Season the beans: Add the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the aromatics. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute.
5. Transfer to slow cooker: Transfer the beans, aromatics, and water to a 6-quart slow cooker.
6. Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender.
7. Serve and enjoy: Once the beans are cooked, serve them with your favorite toppings, such as rice, avocado, or salsa.
Tips
- Use a slow cooker liner: To make cleanup easier, line the slow cooker with a liner before adding the beans and other ingredients.
- Add additional flavors: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to customize the flavor of your black beans. Some popular additions include bay leaves, oregano, or chopped bell peppers.
- Cook in advance: Black beans can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes them a great meal-prep option for busy weeknights.
- Freeze for later: Cooked black beans can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the beans cool completely, then transfer them to freezer-safe bags or containers.
Benefits of Slow Cooker Black Beans
- Convenience: Slow cooker black beans are incredibly easy to make. Simply prep the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the rest.
- Healthy and nutritious: Black beans are a good source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants. They are also low in fat and calories.
- Versatile: Slow cooker black beans can be used in a variety of dishes, including tacos, burritos, soups, and salads.
- Cost-effective: Dried black beans are a budget-friendly option compared to canned beans.
Toppings for Slow Cooker Black Beans
- Rice
- Avocado
- Salsa
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do I need to soak the beans before cooking them in the slow cooker?
A: It is recommended to soak the beans overnight for best results. Soaking helps to reduce cooking time and makes the beans more digestible.
Q: Can I use canned black beans instead of dried beans?
A: Yes, you can use canned black beans. However, you will need to reduce the amount of water you add to the slow cooker, as canned beans already contain liquid.
Q: How do I know when the black beans are done cooking?
A: The beans are done cooking when they are tender and can be easily mashed with a fork. You can also check the beans by removing a few from the slow cooker and tasting them.
Q: How can I thicken the black beans?
A: To thicken the black beans, you can mash some of them with a fork or potato masher. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the slow cooker and cook until the beans reach your desired consistency.
Q: What are some other ways to use slow cooker black beans?
A: In addition to the dishes mentioned above, slow cooker black beans can also be used in:
- Black bean burgers
- Black bean soup
- Black bean dip
- Black bean tacos
