5 unconventional black bean recipes to try
What's the story
Black beans are versatile, nutritious, and can be used in a number of dishes.
Loaded with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, they are an ideal ingredient to add more plant-based food to your diet.
Here are five fun recipes that highlight the versatility of black beans and provide delicious options for any meal of the day.
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we've got you covered!
Morning delight
Black bean breakfast burrito
Start your day with a hearty black bean breakfast burrito.
Mix cooked black beans with sauteed onions, bell peppers, and spices like cumin and paprika.
Wrap the mixture in a whole wheat tortilla along with avocado slices and fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Not only is this filling breakfast option satisfying, but it'll also keep you energized the whole morning.
Lunch favorite
Black bean veggie burger
For lunch, try making a black bean veggie burger.
Mash cooked black beans and mix with breadcrumbs, chopped onions, garlic, and spices like chili powder and cumin.
Form patties and cook on a skillet until crispy on both sides.
Serve on whole grain buns with lettuce, tomato slices, and your favorite condiments for a delicious plant-based meal.
Warming bowl
Spicy black bean soup
A spicy black bean soup makes for an ideal dinner option on cooler days.
Saute onions, garlic, carrots, and celery before adding cooked black beans along with vegetable broth or water.
Season with chili powder or cayenne pepper for heat; simmer until flavors meld together beautifully into one warming bowlful of goodness that pairs well alongside crusty bread or rice.
Sweet treat
Black bean brownies
If you want a unique yet healthy dessert, try baking brownies with pureed black beans.
Mix them with cocoa powder, vanilla extract, sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, and oil or applesauce.
You can also add optional chocolate chips, nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
Bake until done, then cool, cut, and serve. Enjoy guilt-free, savoring the goodness in each bite.
Refreshing bite
Black bean salad with lime dressing
A refreshing salad with lime dressing provides a completely different way to enjoy your favorite legumes, aka black beans.
Toss together cooked, chilled, thoroughly drained, rinsed off completely, cooled down beforehand, only then mixed up with freshly chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, cilantro, lime juice, zest, salt, and pepper to taste for an invigorating, refreshing bite that's perfect as a side or light meal anytime!