Zesty Cilantro-Infused Black Beans
Elevate your dining experience with these Zesty Cilantro-Infused Black Beans, a quick and flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion. Made with canned black beans for convenience, this dish offers a delightful kick from green chilies and salsa, while aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder bring an irreplaceable depth of flavor. Whether served alongside juicy Margarita Chicken, grilled citrus fish, or spicy chili-rubbed chicken, these vibrant beans are sure to complement your main course beautifully. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, they make a fantastic addition to your weekday dinners or festive gatherings.
8
Servings
100
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
black beans
2 (15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed)
onion
1 (medium, diced fine)
garlic
2 (tablespoons, minced)
green chilies
1 (4-ounce can)
salsa
3 (tablespoons)
cumin
1 (tablespoon)
chili powder
1 (teaspoon)
olive oil
1 (tablespoon for sautéing)
chicken broth
1/4-1/2 (cup (optional))
kosher salt
1 (teaspoon, to taste)
ground black pepper
1/2 (teaspoon, to taste)
cilantro
2 (tablespoons, finely chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
1. In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing gently to allow them to sweat and soften for about 4-5 minutes without browning.
2
2. Stir in the green chilies, salsa, cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to combine all the flavors while continuing to cook on medium heat.
3
3. Gently fold in the drained and rinsed black beans, ensuring they are well-coated with the spice mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for 5-10 minutes.
4
4. As the beans cook, monitor their moisture levels; if they begin to dry out, progressively add chicken broth, ranging from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup depending on your desired consistency.
5
5. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
14g
Carbs
5.25g
Protein
3.5g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Cilantro-Infused Black Beans?
They are a quick and flavorful side dish made with canned black beans, green chilies, salsa, and aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include canned black beans, onion, garlic, green chilies, salsa, cumin, chili powder, and fresh cilantro.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you must soak and cook the dried beans until tender before adding them to the sauté pan.
How should I prepare the onion?
The onion should be a medium size and diced finely before sautéing.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly, especially if you ensure the salsa and optional broth are plant-based.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How long do I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them for approximately 4-5 minutes until they sweat and soften without browning.
What type of oil is recommended for this dish?
One tablespoon of olive oil is recommended for sautéing the aromatics.
What spices give the beans their flavor?
The flavor comes from a combination of cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the beans?
You can adjust the heat by choosing a milder or hotter salsa and varying the amount of green chilies.
What is the purpose of adding green chilies?
Green chilies provide a delightful kick and a unique depth of flavor to the bean mixture.
How much salsa is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of salsa.
How long should the beans simmer?
The beans should simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes.
Why is chicken broth included as an ingredient?
Chicken broth is optional and used to maintain moisture and achieve your desired consistency if the beans begin to dry out.
How much broth should I add?
You can add between 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup of broth progressively as needed.
When should I add the cilantro?
Stir in the finely chopped fresh cilantro just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and flavor.
What main dishes pair well with these black beans?
They pair beautifully with Margarita Chicken, grilled citrus fish, or spicy chili-rubbed chicken.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 5.25 grams of protein per serving.
How much fiber is in this dish?
This recipe provides 3.5 grams of fiber per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, there is a small amount of sugar, approximately 0.5 grams per serving.
How much garlic should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
Should I rinse the canned beans?
Yes, you should drain and rinse the 15-ounce cans of black beans before adding them to the pan.
How much cumin is needed?
One tablespoon of cumin is used for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick and simple side dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on canned goods like broth and salsa to be certain.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total used to make these beans.