This canned black beans recipe turns two pantry cans into a lightly saucy side with onion, Mild Taco Dust and lime. Mash a spoonful in the skillet for body while leaving most of the beans whole.
Make it with Mild Taco Desert Dust. Measure the Dust as listed, then taste before adding more seasoning.
Ingredients
2 cans (15 ounces / 425 g each) no-salt-added black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 level teaspoons (10 ml) Mild Taco Desert Dust
1/2 cup (120 ml) water, plus a little more if needed
1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)
Directions
Drain the beans. Empty the canned beans into a strainer, rinse under running water and drain. Set aside while you chop the onion.
Soften the onion. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion for 4–5 minutes, stirring, until soft; reduce the heat if it browns too quickly.
Add the seasoning. Stir in the Mild Taco Dust and measured water, then add the beans. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to distribute the seasoning.
Simmer and thicken. Simmer uncovered for 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot and lightly saucy. Mash a few spoonfuls against the skillet, then stir them back in. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time if the beans look dry.
Finish with lime. Remove from the heat and stir in the lime juice and optional cilantro. Taste before adding any more seasoning, then serve warm.
Yield: 4 side servings.
The Dust In This Recipe
Mild Taco Seasoning
$19.99
Make it with Mild Taco Desert Dust. Measure the Dust as listed, then taste before adding more seasoning.
✦Mild HeatFull taco flavor without a big hit of heat.
✦Organic SpicesGuajillo, cumin, onion, garlic and other spices build the savory profile.
Commercially canned beans are already cooked. Here, a short simmer warms them and combines the onion and seasoning flavors. This method is for canned beans; dry black beans need a separate full cooking process.
WHY DRAIN AND RINSE THE BEANS?
Draining and rinsing removes the canning liquid so you can control the sauce with measured water. It also helps when switching among brands. Use no-salt-added beans where possible, since the seasoning already contributes salt.
CAN I USE REGULAR SALTED CANNED BEANS?
Yes. Drain and rinse them well, begin with 1 teaspoon Mild Taco Dust, then taste after simmering before adding more. Do not add a whole seasoning pouch to this small side dish.
HOW DO I MAKE THE BEANS THICKER OR MORE SOUPY?
For thicker beans, mash a few more spoonfuls and simmer briefly without a lid. For looser beans, stir in water a tablespoon at a time. The mixture thickens as it stands, so leave it slightly saucier than you want at the table.
CAN I DOUBLE THE RECIPE OR PREPARE IT AHEAD?
Double the ingredients and use a wider skillet so the beans warm evenly. Simmer until hot and the sauce reaches the texture you like; it may take longer. Add the lime after reheating if you are preparing the beans ahead.
HOW LONG DO LEFTOVERS KEEP?
Refrigerate in a covered shallow container within 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C). Keep at 40°F (4°C) or below and use within 3–4 days. Reheat to 165°F (74°C), loosening with a little water.
ARE THESE BEANS VEGAN, AND WHAT ABOUT ALLERGENS?
This version adds no meat, cheese or stock. Choose plain canned black beans and check the current Mild Taco Dust pouch and bean labels for your dietary needs, including their ingredient and cross-contact information.
