This versatile pantry staple stars in top recipes including crowd-pleasing vegetarian chilli, speedy tacos, sensational soups and so much more.
With a heartflavour and texture black beans are our number one choice for Mexican stews, burritos, tacos and enchiladas. Such a simple way to add protein and fibre to your favorite meals. And better yet, they aren’t just good for you, but they’re a budget-friendly food too.
When you have the extra time it’s best to go with dried black beans for a superior texture to canned. One of the best ways to cook black beans is using dried beans in a pressure cooker, which cuts out any soaking and cooking time. We recommend you save salting beans until they’re tender, because salt can slow down softening time as well (the same is true for acidic foods, like tomatoes and vinegar.)
Experience the magic of black beans with these flavour-packed recipes, with everything from hearty stews to new takes on tacos, dips, and bakes.
Have plenty of canned chickpeas too? Well, we also have plenty of ways to use up canned chickpeas—that aren’t just homums.
Buying dried pulses in bulk is a great way to save money, but they do require a bit of prep before cooking.
And while, ideally, you should be soaking them for a few hours, our Test Kitchen have a nifty trick for speeding up the process if you’ve got a last minute dinner to get going – or you just forgot.
Soaking pulses
First pick over the beans, checking for stones or other foreign objects.
Add approximately three cups of cold water for every cup of beans and leave to soak for a minimum of eight hours and a maximum of 24 hours at room temperature.
Speedy soaking
If you’ve forgotten to soak your beans for a recipe, place them in a saucepan and cover with five cm of water. Slowly bring to the boil and boil for 10 minutes; remove from the heat, cover with a lid and leave to stand for one hour.
Once you’ve drained and rinsed your beans, they’re ready to use in your favourite dish.
01
Cuban black bean soup in the slow cooker
Cuban black bean soup in the slow cooker
Enjoy delicious south-of-the-border flavours in this simple, but delicious, ham and vegetable soup that does not hold back on the spice!
03
Quinoa, black bean and chipotle chilli
Quinoa, black bean and chipotle chilli
This tasty vegetarian chilli is full of the goodness of black bean and quinoa. Serve with corn chips oand guacamole for a tasty vegetarian meal.
04
Black bean chilli with guacamole and corn “chips”
Black bean chilli with guacamole and corn “chips”
This simple dish is easy to make and substitutes baked mountain bread ‘chips’ for corn chips for a diabetic friendly meal.
05
Corn and mixed bean salad
This colourful salad comes to life with a tongue-tingling Mexican dressing. Bring it along to any gathering – it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
06
Beet and black bean burger
These vegetarian burgers are a mouth-watering combination of black beans, beetroot and red onions. Served with sweet potato fries of course.
07
Quick & Easy Mexican Chicken & Bean Soup in 10 Minutes
Quick & Easy Mexican Chicken & Bean Soup in 10 Minutes
This quick and easy Mexican soup recipe is full of beans and chicken to create a healthy and tasty dinner in just 10 minutes, great for weeknights.
08
Black bean and harissa barbecued corn tortillas
Black bean and harissa barbecued corn tortillas
The distinctive flavour of harissa adds a spicy kick to these barbecued corn and black bean tacos that’s guaranteed to impress. Your new vegie fave
09
Zucchini, black bean and corn enchiladas
Zucchini, black bean and corn enchiladas
These zucchini and black bean enchiladas contain all the protein goodness veg can give, while not compromising on the delicious spicy taste of Mexico.
10
Corn and kidney bean quesadillas with tomato salsa
Corn and kidney bean quesadillas with tomato salsa
Stuff tortillas with cheese and vegetables and grill – kind of like a Mexican toasted sandwich and serve with a fresh tomato salsa.
11
Mexican rice and black beans
This super tasty dish is quick to prepare, perfect for weeknights. It’s packed full of Mexican spices your family will love, plus heaps of plant-based protein to fuel your bodies.
12
Chickpea ‘tofu’ with spiced black-eyed beans
Chickpea ‘tofu’ with spiced black-eyed beans
Nourish yourself with this delicious chickpea ‘tofu’ and spiced black-eyed beans. A healthy and flavoursome vegetarian dish perfect for dinner.
