Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Onion, diced
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
Beans and Seasonings
- 29 oz Black beans, drained (canned or cooked dried beans)
- 2 cups Water
- 1 tsp Chipotle chili powder
- ½ tsp Dried oregano
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Place a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once heated, add the diced onions and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add and cook the beans: Add the drained black beans and water to the skillet along with the chipotle chili powder, dried oregano, bay leaf, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer to thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Finish with citrus: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh lemon and lime juice. Discard the bay leaf before serving. Serve warm as a flavorful side or ingredient in various dishes.
Notes
- Black beans: You can use canned black beans for convenience or cook dried black beans by your preferred method before proceeding.
- Smoky flavor: For an extra smokey depth, add some adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers along with the chili powder.
- Juice: Using fresh lemon and lime juice significantly improves the flavor compared to bottled juice.
- Recipe authenticity: This copycat recipe is inspired by Chipotle’s black beans but is not an exact duplicate; it’s a tasty, homemade version.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 6 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
