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Easy Chipotle Mexican Grill Black Bean Recipe

Chipotle Mexican Grill Black Bean Recipe

Ann Jones
Sometimes, life presents us with delightful surprises. I remember the first time I stepped into a Chipotle Mexican Grill. The vibrant colors, the tantalizing aromas, and the lively chatter filled the air. 
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 16 Servings
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • Lerge pot

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried black beans rinsed, sorted, and soaked overnight (see note 2)
  • 6 cups filtered water enough to cover beans
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or rice bran oil see note 1
  • 2 medium yellow onions finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 chipotle chilies in adobo plus 2 teaspoons adobo sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds depth and enhances the smoky chipotle flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano see note 3
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Fresh lemon juice to taste
  • Fresh lime juice to taste
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1: Soaking the Beans

  • Soaking the beans is an essential first step. Start by rinsing and sorting the black beans to remove any debris. Place them in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight. This softens the beans and cuts down the cooking time.

Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the finely chopped onions. Sauté them until they’re translucent, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen! Now, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. You want the garlic fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Adding the Beans and Liquids

  • Next, drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot. Pour in 6 cups of filtered water. Toss in the chipotle chilies, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and bay leaves. Stir everything together.

Step 4: Cooking the Beans

  • Increase the heat to bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Cooking should take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Check occasionally, adding more water as needed. The beans are ready when they are tender and flavorful.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

  • Once the beans are done, remove the bay leaves. Squeeze in fresh lemon and lime juice to taste, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper. The brightness of the citrus elevates the dish immensely!

Notes

Here are five helpful tips to ensure your black beans turn out perfectly:
  • Soak Longer – If you have time, soak the beans for at least 8 hours. This will enhance their tenderness.
  • Add Flavor Early – For a deeper flavor, consider adding broth instead of water while cooking.
  • Experiment with Spices – Feel free to adjust spices based on your preference. Adding a dash of cayenne can bring a spicy kick!
  • Use Canned Beans – Short on time? Canned black beans can be used. Just rinse and add in the last 20 minutes of cooking to merge flavors.
  • Store for Later – Make a larger batch and freeze leftovers in portions for easy future meals.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 8gFat: 1gSodium: 200mgFiber: 8g
Keyword Chipotle Mexican Grill Black Bean Recipe
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