Beans are very nutritious and inexpensive to make. They are an excellent source of protein and fiber. Here we provide an easy way to cook them in a slow cooker, as well as a delicious alternative recipe which packs a lot of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried beans (Use your favorite bean: black, pinto, white or garbanzo beans)
- ½ an onion
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Soak the beans for 6 hours or overnight. Rinse the beans thoroughly and put in a slow cooker. Add the ½ onion (does not need to be peeled or chopped), the bay leaf and salt. Add additional water to fill the slow cooker between 2/3 and 3/4 full. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8-10 hours. Check the beans after 8 hours. If they are not completely cooked, continue cooking and check every half hour or so until tender.
Mexican Black Beans Recipe (Flavor Option)
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup onions, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 cups beans, slow cooked and undrained (see recipe above)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, sauté the onion in the olive oil. After it has just started to soften, add the garlic and cumin, and cook for two more minutes. Add the beans, cilantro, cumin and salt and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings. These beans are great to add to tacos, burrito bowls, breakfast burritos, salads, or to enjoy as a side dish.