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    Home » Hunger

    Easy Vegetarian Black Beans

    By Lauren on April 1, 2021, Updated June 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

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    overhead of a spoon in a bowl of cooked black beans
    side angle of beans in a low bowl with a serving spoon
    collage of vegetarian black bean photos

    Simple and easy to make, vegetarian black beans are ridiculously tasty! Simmered in a veggie stock broth with spices, each bite is tender and flavorful.

    Serve them as a side dish or on top of salads and tacos!

    overhead of a spoon in a bowl of cooked black beans

    Welcome to my little island of Chipotle inspired recipes. Today's focus is on this lovely legume.

    Hello black bean, you're just so great. You're hearty, full of protein, and soluble fiber, and you take on the taste of what you're cooked in.

    Thanks for being you!

    Really though. A few months ago I was in the middle of a pretty serious relationship with Chipotle's salads. So I've come up with a bunch of copycats to make it at home!

    We've got Instant Pot chipotle style chicken thighs, super good honey lime dressing, and now these vegetarian black beans get to join the family too!

    Personally, I'd recommend washing them down with some pineapple tequila, but that's just me.

    labeled black beans ingredients

    Here's what I am loving about these black beans:

    • we're using canned beans - so no soaking, quicker cooking
    • simple, pantry staple spices
    • vegetarian and vegan
    • they're still a little saucy - just like the restaurant!

    How to make vegetarian black beans

    We're heading to the stove top for this one! Grab a large sauce pan, a colander, and your ingredients.

    side angle of beans in a low bowl with a serving spoon

    All we're going to do is combine the ingredients (except the cilantro) in the sauce pan, bring it to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer! Easy peasy, right?

    Once they're done cooking pull out the bay leaf and give them a little sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

    Do I need to drain canned beans?

    Yes! Canned beans are packed in a water solution to preserve them and it has quite a bit of sodium. Drain the beans in the colander and give them a wash. This also makes it easier to grab the beans stuck at the bottom of the can because you can just use the faucet water to swirl them out.

    Is there supposed to be liquid in the pan?

    You betcha. After the beans are done cooking, most of the liquid will have been absorbed or cooked off but there will still be some in the pan. As the beans cool, they will keep absorbing that liquid, just getting more and more flavorful.

    overhead of black beans in a bowl with colorful napkins and tortillas

    Are canned black beans vegetarian?

    Yes! There is no animal product in regular canned beans.

    The only case where this might not be true is if you're looking at canned refried beans or black bean soup. Be sure to check the label on any product if you're not 100% sure!

    Are beans healthy?

    Ya darn tootin'! Haha, get it? (Why am I like this?)

    In all seriousness, these little legumes pack some mighty powerful plant protein, fiber, vitamin B, iron, and more. While I'm no certified nutritionist, my personal experience is that when I add beans regularly to my diet I feel better!

    What to serve with vegetarian black beans

    I'm going to start with tacos, because tacos are what literally pays the bills in our house (you know, because of Bonefish Harrys). But also because I don't think I've ever been disappointed by a taco.

    Tempting Taco Ideas

    Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos | Jalapeño Crema

    Crispy Kale and Brussels Sprout Tacos

    Carne Asada Tacos

    Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

    Chipotle BBQ Fish Tacos

    The BEST Pork Carnitas Tacos

    Instant Pot Korean Beef Tacos

    Add these beans on top or serve them alongside rice. The choice is up to you. And if you need something to wash them down while, give one of these tequila-based cocktails a chance.

    Tequila Cocktail Ideas

    How to Make Pineapple Infused Tequila

    Frozen Coconut Margaritas

    Melon-Basil Margarita

    Spicy Pineapple Margarita

    Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita

    Watermelon Basil Margarita | Chili Sugar Rim

    Be sure to let me know how you dish up your beans! If you make this recipe, I'd love for you to rate and review it below. Thank you for your support!

    overhead of black beans in a bowl with cilantro on top

    Easy Vegetarian Black Beans

    Tender black beans simmered in stock and spices! Vegetarian black beans are a delicious and easy way to add protein to tacos, side dishes, or to enjoy on their own.
    5 from 1 vote
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    Course: Side Dishes
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Keyword: black bean side dish, black beans, copycat chipotle black beans, vegetarian black beans
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Cook Time: 30 mins
    Additional Time: 5 mins
    Total Time: 40 mins
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 37kcal
    Author: Lauren
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 large can black beans (drained and rinsed (29-ounce can))
    • 1 ¾ cup vegetable stock
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon cumin
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro (optional)

    Instructions

    • Rinse. In a large colander, drain the beans and rinse with cold water.
    • Combine. In a large saucepan, combine the beans, stock, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat (about 5-8 minutes).
    • Simmer. Reduce to low and simmer until reduced 20-25 minutes. There will be some liquid left in the pan but not much, beans will continue to soak up liquid as they sit. The beans will be tender and flavorful. Optional: top with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

    Notes

    • Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before storing. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1scoop | Calories: 37kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 638mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 161IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

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    Hi, I'm Lauren! This is my slice of the internet to share seasonally-inspired recipes. I live in the heart of New England with my husband, two kiddos, English bulldog and our two local restaurants. Life is busy AND delicious!

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