Fried black beans are a perfect base for nachos, quick burritos, beans and rice, and other quick food hacks.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ onion, diced
- 2–3 garlic cloves (or 1 tsp granulated garlic, or both)
- 1–2 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp ground chilies (or 1 tsp cayenne)
- 1–2 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed, if you like)
- 1 can (540 ml / 19 oz) black beans, drained
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste (a few grinds)
- ½–1 cup chopped cilantro leaves (optional)
- ½ lime, juiced (plus some zest for extra zing)
Method
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium until it shimmers. Sauté the onion until translucent, 2–3 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, and chilies and cook until fragrant, another 1–2 minutes.
Add the jalapeños and beans with the salt and pepper. Stir over medium to medium-low until everything is heated through, without letting anything stick. Mash the beans about halfway, adding a teaspoon of oil if they start to stick.
Turn off the heat. Stir in the cilantro and lime juice, then taste. Finish seasoning with salt and pepper.