Is this a side dish, or is it a burrito filling? Yes! It’s all in your perspective and your needs; Slightly Smashed Garlicky Black Beans can be both. Either way, easily add some filling protein to any vegetarian meal.
Yes, I know these aren’t especially pretty, but I hope you can overlook their appearance. Sometimes, beauty is in the taste buds of the beholder: Slightly Smashed Garlicky Black Beans work so well as either a super easy (15 minute!) stand-alone side dish, or as a burrito filling.
We usually enjoy our black beans on the thicker & drier side (and full of garlic), but you can certainly thin them out with a little broth if you prefer. See some variations on this basic black beans recipe in the Notes section below.
Slightly Smashed Garlicky Black Beans
Ingredients
2 tsp olive oil
1 Tbsp minced garlic (about six cloves)
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
Sea salt, to taste
Lime juice, to taste
Directions
Mince your garlic, and rinse and drain the beans.
Heat olive oil in a small sauce pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the garlic and saute briefly.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the beans, spices, and lime juice.
Continue to simmer beans over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and slightly smashing the beans with a big wooden spoon as you go.
Taste before serving, and season with a little additional salt and lime juice as desired.
Serve your garlicky black beans as a side dish, or as one of the filling options in a build-your-own-burrito bar. Top with chopped green onions or cilantro (optional).
Note: This is a very basic garlicky smashed black beans recipe. A few variations: Saute a bit of chopped jalapeño and/or onion in olive oil until softened before adding in the garlic. Add a little vegetable broth to add more moisture and flavor. Stir in some chopped cilantro, if you’re a fan.
A filling garlicky side dish
I love to add these garlicky black beans to burritos, but High School Guy prefers his on the side. However you use yours, they’re a super easy 15 minute shortcut to adding filling vegetarian protein to your dinner.
Looking for more vegetarian recipe ideas? Take a few minutes to browse through the Meatless Monday category for additional dinner options — or, check out fifteen favorite meatless meals to jump start your vegetarian cooking.
Slightly Smashed Garlicky Black Beans, printable recipe
Slightly Smashed Garlicky Black Beans
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic about six cloves
- 2 cans black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Sea salt to taste
- Lime juice to taste
Instructions
- Mince your garlic, and rinse and drain the beans.
- Heat olive oil in a small sauce pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the garlic and saute briefly.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the beans, spices, and lime juice.
- Continue to simmer beans over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and slightly smashing the beans with a big wooden spoon as you go.
- Taste before serving, and season with a little additional salt and lime juice as desired.
- Serve your garlicky black beans as a side dish, or as one of the filling options in a build-your-own-burrito bar. Top with chopped green onions or cilantro (optional).
Notes
Recipes in the real world
Be sure not to miss the free ALDI meal plans, which show you how to use these easy family recipes to meal plan affordably and realistically for your family. Or, find more recipe ideas with the Recipe Search!
Be sure not to miss the free ALDI meal plans, which show you how to use these easy family recipes to meal plan affordably and realistically for your family. Or, find more recipe ideas with the Recipe Search!
