Recipe: Black Beans

Inspired by some delicious photos on some of my favorite blogs, I've put together a short list of easy black bean recipes. I haven't had a chance to make them all yet, but I will. They all look like wonderful recipes.

Here at the MetaHome, we love black beans. I use sprouted beans (from the farmers' market as I can't imagine sprouting beans at home), which are very soft, so it really takes 20 minutes of cooking time. And with a great flavor foundation of onion, celery, carrot, garlic and olive oil, I save on sodium and calories by cooking with water instead of broth. You'd think the flavor would fall flat, but they're absolutely delicious. Even little MetaBaby loves his bean mix.

Here are a few other easy ideas and recipes for black bean meals.

Moros y Cristianos (Black beans and white rice) from The Perfect Pantry - Cuban-style black beans made with dried black beans and lots of garlic. Very easy, but it does take a while.

Black Bean Confetti Salad from Smitten Kitchen - Black bean salad made with canned black beans, bell peppers, and a fun dressing. Yum!

Black Bean and Tomato Quinoa via The Unemployed Cook - Quinoa is great grain because it's loaded with protein, so it can serve as an entree or side dish. Besides, it's pretty quick because the recipe calls for canned beans.

Salsa with Black Beans from Tea and Cookies - This is more a meal idea than a recipe. Black beans are a great foundation to a nutritious, flavorsome meal. Try using a tasty canned bean like Trader Joe's Cuban Style black beans (OMG, so good!!!).

Mango and Black Bean Salsa
from Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook

1 red onion, diced
1 mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels
1/2 cup canned black beans, rinces and drained
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

In a medium bowl, mix the onion, mango, bell pepper, corn, beans, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Let stand 5 minutes for the flavors to blend. Stir in the cilantro.