One of my absolute favorite things to make is black beans. I recently discovered them, and ever since I have been subjecting the fam to black beans whenever I get the chance. I even ordered a 25 pound bag. Ahem. I don’t know what the recipe is technically called, but I love, love, LOVE to make and eat them. Put them in the crock-pot in the morning and eat them that night. SO GOOD. The only bad part is – I don’t really have a measure it out sort of way about it.
My favorite thing to do is get everything ready the night before when I soak the beans, then in the morning I toss it all in the crock-pot and let them go.
I made them last night, and they were probably the best they have ever been. Seriously. I would have skipped dessert if we had dessert, they were that good. Sadly I don’t know what I did differently. I just know they were good. And I had to share them.
Now – keep in mind that the additions (aside from the spices) are pretty much optional, I don’t always put green peppers or jalapenos – they make it in if we have them, but if not I don’t go out of my way to get them, which is awesome in my book.
1 pound black beans (soaked overnight)
1 onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
2 jalapeños, cut small
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups white vinegar
Water
Im pretty sure this is the amount for the liquid. I always add extra water just because Im worried the liquid will cook out, so after the broth and vinegar is in, I just add water until the beans are covered.
Cumin
Oregano
Chili powder
Salt
Pepper
Bay Leaves (5-10)
I don’t know how much of each to use, I just pour a little into a bowl until it looks good. I would guess maybe 2 tablespoons of each. I go a little wild with the bay leaves, and everyone always jokes about getting leaves in their beans – but I think they make it the best.
Cook on high for 8 or so hours. Again, I really don’t have a set time. Yesterday I started them at 9am, and they cooked until about 8 at night. They were super soft and SO GOOD. Did I mention they were good? Because they were.
I like to put them over rice, add lettuce, cheese and salsa – but you could do pretty much anything with them I would assume.
And there you have it. Black Beans. So easy, So good!
Yum!