Mexican Black Beans

I love Mexican Food! Well, I should clarify...I love unauthentic American Mexican Food! :) And these beans are my favorite! They are one of my tried and true recipes that even my kids love - which is saying something in my family of picky eaters... They are perfect to make for a vegetarian or meatless meal: quick, easy, and delicious! Our family's favorite way to eat them is in this Mexican Black Bean salad. Today I'll share the pressure cooker instructions as well as the recipe using canned beans in case you don't have a pressure cooker.


Mexican Black Beans {Pressure Cooker}
Printable Recipe

*NOTE: The Pressure cooker is my favorite way to make these beans! It enhances the flavors and it's so simple!

*Serves 8-10

INGREDIENTS:
2 Cups dry black beans, rinsed and sorted
1 8-oz. can tomato sauce
3 1/2 Cups water
1 regular onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 Tbsp. salt
2 Tbsp. cumin powder (or less if you want it less spicy)

DIRECTIONS:
Combine all the ingredients in a pressure cooker. Heat to high pressure and then cook for 50 minutes. Then release the pressure naturally. Serve plain, over rice, in a burrito or taco shell, or with chips in a salad.

Recipe Source: adapted from greenereating.com


Mexican Black Beans {Stove Top}
Printable Recipe

*NOTE: The Stove top method is a great option for when you're in a real hurry!

*Serves 8-10

INGREDIENTS:
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 regular onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 14-oz. cans undrained black beans with lower sodium*
1 8-oz. can tomato sauce
1/2 Tbsp. salt*
2 Tbsp. cumin powder (or less if you want it less spicy)

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oil in medium saucepan on medium high heat. Add the onions and garlic and saute until onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then add to the saucepan the undrained beans, tomato sauce, salt and cumin powder. Heat until mixture is bubbly, then turn down the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring often. Cook about 20 minutes or until flavors develop. Serve plain, over rice, in a burrito or taco shell, or with chips in a salad.

*NOTE: if you use regular canned beans, you will have to decrease the amount of salt. Just adjust the amount to taste.

Don't forget dessert! How about yummy fruit salsa and baked cinnamon chips? It goes perfect with the Mexican Black Beans!

How about some fresh garden lettuce for that salad? 

Isn't it beautiful? I love this time of year when the garden is growing! We've almost got it all planted now...and...we're harvesting lettuce, spinach, chard, radishes, turnips, and green onions (from the onions we left in the ground last year). And more to come!! :)