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4.0 from 3 votes

How To Cook Black Beans From Scratch (+ Flavor Guide!)

For a flavorful meal, learn how to cook black beans from scratch! No soaking required + flavor options to customize to your taste!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 5 mins
Total Time
1 hr 35 mins
Servings: 5 cups of black beans
Calories: 114 kcal
Course: Main Course , Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Core Ingredients
  • 1 lb black beans 453 g
  • 8 cups water 1.9 L
  • 1 tsp salt
Optional Flavors
  • 6 cloves garlic peeled and lightly smashes
  • 1 white or yellow onion skin removed and halved, roots intact
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 orange rinsed and halved

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prep: Spread dry beans onto a clean counter or baking sheet. Pick out any stones or bad looking beans. Transfer beans to a colander and rinse.
  2. Cook: Combine beans, water, and optional flavors in a large pot (water should cover beans by about 3 inches, if not add more water). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let simmer uncovered for 1 to 2 hours, or until beans are tender. If they run out of water before tenderizing, add more as needed.
  3. Finish: When beans are tender, mix in salt. If they are still too liquidy for your liking, spoon out some of the juice then increase the heat for a few minutes to evaporate out excess moisture, stirring often.

Notes

  • Store cooked beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for a few months.

Nutrition Information

Serving 0.5cups Calories 114kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 20.4g (7%) Protein 7.6g (15%) Fat 0.5g (1%) Saturated Fat 0.1g (1%) Sodium 204mg (9%) Potassium 305mg (9%) Fiber 7.5g (30%) Sugar 0g (0%) Calcium 23mg (2%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 5cups of black beans

Amount Per Serving

Calories 114

% Daily Value*

Serving 0.5cups
Calories 114kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 20.4g 7%
Protein 7.6g 15%
Fat 0.5g 1%
Saturated Fat 0.1g 1%
Sodium 204mg 9%
Potassium 305mg 6%
Fiber 7.5g 30%
Sugar 0g 0%
Calcium 23mg 2%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.