Moms’ Black Beans and How to Freeze

Growing up, beans were included in all 3 daily meals. Yes, even breakfast! Platanos Fritos con Crema, so good! Check out that recipe here! My moms black beans are the absolute best. So you would think I would know how to cook beans like a pro right?!… Well, nope. I’ll be honest, canned beans was my easy go to once I left home for college. Don’t get me wrong, there are organic, delicious options to purchase in a can but it’s not like making your own. It wasn’t until recently that I realized this. Not only is this a cheaper option, but also a much more rewarding and fresher option.

Health Benefits of Beans

Beans provide protein, fiber, iron, and antioxidants that can make them a healthful addition to any diet. With that said, I understand that some may be allergic to legumes or have digestive issues. If you do not typically eat beans, it is important that you increase your intake of beans gradually to reduce the risk of intestinal discomfort.

Replacing meat with beans. Try adding beans instead of meat to soups, casseroles, and pasta dishes. I will share my vegan white bean chili recipe with you all very soon!

Adding beans to salads. Beans are tasty and filling as the main ingredient in a salad or as a garnish. Try a southwest chicken salad with cold cooked black beans!

Mixing beans and grains. Adding beans to grains can turn an incomplete dish into a complete one. This is useful for people who follow a plant-based diet. Eat beans with rice or couscous. Growing up, I had a dish called Casamiento. It is a traditional Salvadorian dish which is literally only rice and beans mixed together and then topped with queso fresco. Okay, I promise, I will share that recipe very soon! It’s an absolute must! 🙂

Freezer vs Refrigerator

Beans keep in the freezer for about 6 months and about 3 days in the fridge. I will usually take my beans out of the freezer the night before and place in fridge. That way it will be ready to use the next day for dinner or meal-prep time!

Ingredients

• 12 Cups of water
• 1 lb Organic Black Beans
• 1 Tbsp Himalayan salt
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup purple onion, diced
• 2 clove garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf or a sprig of fresh thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano

DIRECTIONS

1. Begin by heating up water over medium-high heat until a rolling boil
2. Once water begins to boil, add remainder of ingredients. Make sure you taste if you prefer additional salt.
3. Lower heat to medium and let cook, covered, for 2-3 hrs (until desired firmness)
4. Once complete, remove from heat and let it completely cool before separating into containers to freeze (see note)

Note:

I personally leave some of the broth in each container I freeze. This is exactly how you would find your beans if you were to purchase canned. You can always strain and wash before a recipe if broth is not needed.

Yes, you can soak beans overnight which would soften them and reduce cooking time but I personally love slow cooking them as it will infuse flavors much better!