Name: Seasoned Black Beans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon cooking oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves; 2-15 oz cans black beans; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

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These seasoned black beans are a great addition to any meal! Quick and easy, this is a perfect side dish for busy weeknights. Flavored with garlic, cumin, oregano and cilantro, this is flavorful and delicious!

black beans in white bowl with spoon and cilantro

Beans are a great side dish because they are so simple – open the can, warm them up, and voila! Done!

But they can be so much better with just a tiny bit extra work (like, super minimal work, promise!). With just a few simple ingredients you can really jazz them up and make them extra awesome.

Because a side dish shouldn’t be just easy – it should be just a little bit extra so it can support the main star of the meal.

The one trick we use to make this recipe even better is to bloom the spices first.

Table of Contents hide

1) Why you bloom spices

2) How to make seasoned black beans

3) Seasoned Black Beans Recipe

Why you bloom spices

This recipe uses a technique called “blooming” for the spices. This is essentially sauteeing the spices in a little oil first. This helps to bring out the essential oils and releases the fat soluble flavor molecules from the spices and helps intensify the flavors.

Typically this is done with whole spices, but we are doing a quick riff on it with our dried spices and garlic. You want to saute them in hot oil until they are aromatic and fragrant, but you don’t want them to get brown.

spoon with seasoned black beans above bowl

How to make seasoned black beans

These black beans are easy to make. For the full recipe make sure you scroll down to the recipe card below but here is a brief overview of how to make this recipe.

In a medium saucepan, saute the garlic.
When fragrant, add the spices, and stir to help bloom the spices in the oil. It should be nice and fragrant.
Add in the black beans with the liquids from the can and the bay leaf.
Allow to simmer on medium heat for 10-15 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!

collage showing steps to make seasoned black beans

Prepping ahead of time

This recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations

These beans are nice and mild, and perfect for kids. If you want them to be spicy, add in some diced jalapenos, serranos, or other chili peppers. You could also use some crushed red pepper flakes.

How to serve quick black beans

This easy side dish is great to serve beside any southwest or Latin American inspired meal. They are great in Cuban Beef Bowls and make a great side to add to Chicken Mole Tacos.

black beans in white serving bowl with cilantro beside

Kids in the kitchen: How your kids can help you cook

Inviting your kids into the kitchen with you is important for their confidence and interest in the food you serve.

This recipe is great because its so simple but is also a great way to practice stovetop skills, and is also great for introducing how to bloom spices.

Kids aged 1-3 can help you measure the spices and help you wash the cilantro.
Kids aged 4-6 can do everything above plus help you open the cans of beans, stir the beans in, and garnish the finished dish.
Kids aged 7-10+ can help you do everything above, plus help you mince the garlic and bloom the spices.

*Please note that these recommendations are generalized, and to please use your personal discretion with your child’s skill level. And always, always supervise! Read more about how to have your children help you in the kitchen.

overhead of black beans with cilantro on top

Other kid friendly side dish recipes:

Other Latin American Recipes:

Food tastes better when its shared! If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and rate below!

Want to save this for later? PIN THIS TO YOUR SIDE DISH BOARD on Pinterest!

Yield: 6 Servings

Seasoned Black Beans Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon cooking oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
2-15 oz cans black beans
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Place the oil in a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sautee, stirring frequently, for 30 seconds. You want it to be fragrant but not turn brown.
Add in the cumin and oregano and saute in hot oil, stirring frequely, just a few seconds to bloom the spices.
Add in the black beans, with the liquid from the cans.
Add in the bay leaf.
Turn up the heat slightly and bring to a simmer.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf, and serve.
Enjoy!

Notes

Prepping ahead of time
This recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations
These beans are nice and mild, and perfect for kids. If you want them to be spicy, add in some diced jalapenos, serranos, or other chili peppers. You could also use some crushed red pepper flakes.

Seasoned Black Beans

Why you bloom spices