Black beans are such a culinary staple that most of us have mastered at least one way of cooking with them. We know how to throw black beans in a pan, spice them to perfection, and serve them with rice. The results are delicious, and we could eat them for days on end. But few of us have gone any further than that. And considering how many absolutely delicious black bean recipes exist in this world, it’s kind of a shame we haven’t.
Spend a few minutes perusing the internet, and you’ll quickly realize that black beans are much more than a simple side item. They can act as a delicious and filling meat substitute in vegetarian burgers, tacos, and meatballs. They can be ground into hummus and served with chips—or turned into chips themselves. And perhaps most surprisingly, they can act as the base for an array of rich desserts. Avocado black bean brownies are beloved by many, but black bean chocolate truffles and black bean chocolate peanut butter cookies can be just as decadent.
Quite frankly, there are so many worthy black bean recipes out there that you could eat the legume for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert for days on end—and still have more black bean-based dishes to try. That’s not to say you should do that. (Seriously, no one expects you to eat black beans all day, every day.) But you easily could. And you could even more easily swap your go-to black bean recipe for a more out-of-the-box option.
Again, there’s nothing wrong with spiced black beans served with rice. The dish is delicious, and it deserves a spot in anyone’s culinary arsenal. It’s just not your only option when it comes to cooking with black beans. You could just as easily turn the ingredient into an entree, a dessert, or a snack. And admit it—aren’t you at least a little curious about what black bean chocolate truffles taste like?
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Black Bean Veggie “Meatballs”
These black bean-based “meatballs” make it easy to enjoy pastas that are vegetarian-friendly and packed with protein. Simply combine black beans with breadcrumbs, spices, and an egg, and pop your “meatballs” in the oven. After 12-15 minutes, they should be baked to perfection.
Avocado Black Bean Brownies
These avocado black bean brownies are dense, creamy, protein-packed delights. They get their enticing texture from melted coconut oil and ripe avocado, and they derive their intensely decadent flavor from cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and coconut sugar. Your mouth will water just looking at them.
Vegan Noodles with Black Bean Sauce
Black beans and noodles may seem like an unlikely combo, but in this recipe, they pair magnificently. This pasta dish is loaded with vegetables, like onions, zucchinis, cucumbers, and celery stalks. And it gets its rich umami flavor from black bean paste. (Which you can buy on its own, or make from scratch!)
Get the recipe here.
Quinoa and Black Bean Tacos
Black beans are a classic addition to tacos, but this recipe makes them the main event. These tacos are entirely meatless, driving their filling flavor from cooked quinoa, spiced black beans, and sliced avocado.
Instant Pot Black Bean Soup
Black bean soup isn’t much harder to make than black beans and rice. But because it’s less obvious, it feels a touch more ceremonial. (It also feels more like a meal than a side dish.) Simply toss a cup of dry black beans into your Instant Pot alongside a heap of sliced veggies and a few couples of vegetable broth, and after a mere 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy soup fit for lunch and dinner, alike.
Peanut Butter Stuffed Black Bean Cookies
Chocolate and peanut butter are a classic combination—one made even better by the addition of black beans. These black bean-based cookies get their flavor from maple syrup and cacao powder, and the rich peanut butter stuffed inside makes the dish even tastier.
Black Bean Patties
Good veggie burgers may be hard to find, but black bean-based burgers tend to taste incredibly delicious. (Largely because they’re not trying to taste like meat.) Pair these black bean patties with flavors that are likely to complement them—like salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and more.
Black Bean and Corn Salad
It’s totally reasonable to serve black beans as a side, but know that “black beans and rice” isn’t your only option. This summery black bean and corn salad is colorful and flavorful. Packed with veggies and flavor, it’s sure to delight.
Black Bean Hummus
Looking for a delicious, protein-packed snack you can whip up in a mere 5 minutes? This easy Black Bean Hummus recipe has your name written all over it. All you need is a can of black beans, some olive oil, some tahini, some lime juice, and a handful of spices—and you’ve got a delicious black bean hummus worth enjoying for days (or, you know, devouring in one sitting).
Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet
Enchiladas are endlessly delicious, and they taste even better served straight out of the skillet. This four-serving recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, allowing your entire family to indulge in cheesy, spicy, black bean-filled goodness.
Black Bean and Cacao Protein Truffles
These Black Bean and Cacao Protein Truffles are basically a fruit and nut (and bean!) bar, served in the form of a decadent dessert. Combine a can of black beans with a bunch of hazelnuts, a handful of dates, and a couple scoops of chocolate-flavored protein powder, and you’ll be well on your way to crafting this delicious (and surprisingly filling) sweet treat.
Mediterranean Three-Bean Quinoa Salad
Black beans make an excellent addition to salad. And anyone who says otherwise clearly hasn’t tried the combination. This three-bean salad calls for green beans, chickpeas, and black beans to be combined with quinoa—and mixed with an array of delicious toppings. We’re talking chopped peppers, diced red onions, pitted kalamata olives, feta cheese, and more.
Gluten-Free Black Bean Chips
Not only do black bean chips exist, but they’re delicious—and gluten-free. So they’re a worthy addition to anyone’s culinary arsenal. Pair them with queso, guacamole, or any other dip you love. And don’t worry about running out—you can make a new batch in a mere 30 minutes (and with just four ingredients!).
Cuban Black Beans
If you haven’t yet mastered spiced black beans and rice, now’s the perfect moment to do so. Because while we love an out-of-the-box recipe, we also appreciate a classic one. And this classic is delicious, easy to make, and all kinds of flavorful.
Black Beans
Now that you have all the recipes you could possibly need, it’s time to stock up on black beans. Luckily, they’re available on Amazon.
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