How Do You Cook Black Beans From Scratch

You can cook black beans from scratch by soaking them overnight and then simmering them low and slow until tender.

 

It sounds simple, and it really is, but there are a few little tricks that make a big difference in flavor and texture.

 

If you’ve been wondering how do you cook black beans from scratch that taste better than anything from a can, this post is for you.

 

In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cook black beans from scratch, from picking through the dried beans to the final seasoned pot.

 

Let’s get cooking.

 

How Do You Cook Black Beans From Scratch? The Basic Steps

When you cook black beans from scratch, the process comes down to three main stages: soaking, simmering, and seasoning.

 

Here’s how each one works so you can cook black beans from scratch with confidence.

 

1. Pick Through and Rinse the Beans

Before you cook black beans from scratch, spread the dried beans on a sheet pan or counter.

 

Pick out any small stones, shriveled beans, or debris, which is a step that’s easy to skip but worth doing.

 

Then rinse the beans under cool running water in a colander.

 

As you cook black beans from scratch more often, this step becomes second nature.

 

2. Soak the Beans Overnight

To cook black beans from scratch properly, soaking helps soften them and cuts down on cooking time.

 

Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover them with about three inches of cold water.

 

Let them soak for 8 hours or overnight at room temperature.

 

As the beans soak, they plump up and release some of their natural gas-causing compounds.

 

If you forgot to soak, don’t worry.

 

You can still cook black beans from scratch using the quick-soak method below.

 

3. Use the Quick-Soak Method If You’re Short on Time

When you want to cook black beans from scratch but didn’t plan ahead, the quick-soak method saves the day.

 

Put the rinsed beans in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.

 

Boil for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat and let them sit covered for 1 hour.

 

After that, drain and rinse, and you’re ready to cook black beans from scratch just like normal.

 

4. Simmer Low and Slow

Now it’s time to actually cook black beans from scratch.

 

Drain the soaked beans and put them in a heavy pot or Dutch oven.

 

Cover with fresh water by about 2 inches and bring to a gentle boil.

 

Then reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 60 to 90 minutes.

 

When you cook black beans from scratch, the beans should stay submerged, so add hot water if the level drops.

 

Tips to Cook Black Beans From Scratch Perfectly

These little details make a big difference when you cook black beans from scratch at home.

 

1. Skip the Salt Until the End

If you add salt too early while you cook black beans from scratch, the skins can toughen up.

 

So wait until the beans are almost tender before seasoning.

 

That way, you cook black beans from scratch that stay creamy instead of firm and chewy.

 

2. Add Aromatics for Flavor

One of the best ways to cook black beans from scratch is to toss in flavor boosters while they simmer.

 

Try a halved onion, a few garlic cloves, a bay leaf, or a sprig of epazote.

 

When you cook black beans from scratch with aromatics, the beans soak up all that savory goodness.

 

3. Taste for Tenderness, Not Just Time

The clock is just a guide when you cook black beans from scratch.

 

Older beans take longer, so start checking around the 60-minute mark.

 

You’ll know you cook black beans from scratch correctly when they’re soft but still hold their shape.

 

4. Save the Cooking Liquid

The dark liquid left after you cook black beans from scratch is called black gold for a reason.

 

It adds richness to soups, stews, and rice dishes.

 

So don’t pour it down the drain when you cook black beans from scratch.

 

Ways to Use Your Home-Cooked Black Beans

Once you cook black beans from scratch, the possibilities are endless.

 

You can stir them into tacos, burritos, and quesadillas for a hearty filling.

 

You can mash them into refried beans or blend them into a creamy black bean soup.

 

You can also toss them into salads or serve them over rice with a squeeze of lime.

 

And when you cook black beans from scratch in a big batch, they freeze beautifully for up to three months.

 

So, How Do You Cook Black Beans From Scratch?

You can cook black beans from scratch by soaking them overnight and then simmering them low and slow until tender.

 

It takes a bit of patience, but the payoff is a pot of beans that’s creamy, flavorful, and way better than canned.

 

From picking through the beans to seasoning at the end, every step helps you cook black beans from scratch like a pro.

 

So grab a bag of dried beans and give it a try, because once you cook black beans from scratch at home, you’ll never look back.