Easy and Tasty Black Beans
Bean recipes are often overcomplicated. This simplified version combines rich bean texture with bold flavor.
The fresh salsa or relish gives this dish a punch of flavor and color.
We keep frozen pork chunks on hand. We purchase the most affordable cuts, portion them into 1/3-pound pieces, wrap them, and log them in our freezer inventory.
We buy dried black beans in bulk. The day before cooking, soak about 1 cup of beans in water.
Add beans, a whole peeled onion, and frozen pork to a pressure cooker. Cover with water about 2 inches above the beans. Add a whole garlic clove if desired.
the pork chunks go from the freezer to the pressure cooker
Bring the pressure cooker to pressure and cook for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit, locked, for 45 minutes. Remove the lid. Discard the onion and garlic. Add salt and pepper. Remove, chop, and return the pork if you like. If the beans are too liquid, simmer them uncovered to reduce the liquid. Beans will thicken as they cool.
the cooked pork can be chopped or shredded
While the beans are cooking, prepare a simple salsa or relish to add flavor to the beans when serving. This salsa is where most of the finished dish’s flavor will come from, so assemble it while the beans cook and set it aside until serving.
The salsa or relish depends on what you have. Include salt, pepper, minced allium, vinegar, and a fresh herb. You might add citrus juice, cilantro, or jalapeno. Pickles and tomatoes are good too. Keep the salsa simple and balanced; avoid too many ingredients.
color and flavor, be creative
This time, we chose red onion, red pepper, pickles, salt, pepper, fresh parsley, and vinegar. We stored it in a glass jar.
be sure to add a generous bit of vinegar to keep the salsa fresh.
We typically let the beans sit overnight in the fridge for optimal flavor, but you can serve them immediately if needed.
Serve the beans over rice or enjoy them on their own. Top with a generous scoop of salsa. Add a poached egg for a special touch.
These beans are clean-tasting, easy to prepare, delicious, and affordable.