5 Black Bean Recipes to Try Out This National Bean Day

Wondering why the National Bean Day is celebrated on January 6^th every year? That's the day that Gregor Mendel died in 1884. He was a famous scientist who bred pea plants and bean plants. His experiments formed the basis of modern genetics in plants. It is a day that commemorates and honors Gregory Mendel's life and contributions to the science of beans.¹  

Activities That You Can Do On National Bean Day

Create a Bean Related Craft Idea

Dried beans are not only great in recipes but they also great for art projects. You can create a mosaic with your kids that include different types and colors of beans. This will be fun for your kids, especially on National Bean Day. You will get to spend time with them and teach them something that they'll be proud of. You can also plant beans in your kitchen garden or send your family and friends a card decorated with beans.

Cook Your Favorite Bean Recipe

They are various kinds of beans; pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, and navy beans. Beans are also an economical source of vegan protein in your diet. Beans aren't just for dinner. They are versatile, and you can use them in soups and desserts. Use this day to create your own baked beans recipe. You can use different types of beans to get a unique flavor. Experiment with the black bean recipes below.

Black beans are rich in protein and creamy with fantastic flavor. They are adaptable, and you can use them as a side dish or in burritos, tacos, and casseroles. Black beans are rich in fiber and protein. They are also a great source of folate, vitamin B1, magnesium, and phosphorous.  They also contain anthocyanins, a powerful flavonoid that acts as an antioxidant that is also present in blueberries, red onions, and purple cabbage.²

Using dehydrated black beans shortens your cooking time by half. You don't have to soak the beans and wait for them to cook. You just need to rehydrate them and cook with your favorite black bean recipe. Try these black bean recipes during National Bean Day.

Simple Black Bean Recipe³

This simple black bean side dish is typical with Mexican or Cuban cuisines.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dehydrated black beans
• 1 small onion, chopped (or use our dried chopped onions)
• 1 clove garlic, chopped (or use our dried sliced garlic)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• A pinch of salt

Method

1. In a medium saucepan, combine rehydrated black beans, onion, and garlic, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low.
2. Season with cilantro, cayenne, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes, and serve.

Black Bean Burgers⁴

If you're used to beef burgers, finding a flavorful alternative can seem daunting. This black bean burger offers a delicious solution without trying to imitate beef. This recipe incorporates eggplant (or tempeh), which adds richness and texture. The onion provides depth, while the avocado contributes healthy fats, ensuring every bite is both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, you can easily adjust the spices and herbs to suit your preferences, making this a versatile option for any meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of dehydrated black beans
• 1 cup diced eggplant (or tempeh, roughly chopped)
• 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced (or use dried chopped onions or 3 Onion Soup Mix)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/2 avocado, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro or parsley leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• Vegetable oil, for cooking

For serving:

• Toasted hamburger buns
• Lettuce
• Sliced red onion
• Sliced avocado
• Vegan or regular mayonnaise

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Rehydrate the dehydrated black beans.
3. Spread the beans evenly on a baking sheet.
4. Place the eggplant (or tempeh) and onion on another large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, toss to coat, then spread evenly on the baking sheet.
5. Bake the beans until dry, about 5 minutes. Bake the eggplant (or tempeh) and onions until tender, about 15 minutes.
6. Add the beans, eggplant (or tempeh), and onion to a food processor. Add in the oats, avocado, cilantro, garlic, paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Blend until smooth.
7. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes in the refrigerator, then form into 4 patties.
8. In a large skillet, heat enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the burgers and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until the outside is crisp and golden.
9. Assemble the burgers with preferred toppings.

Corn and Black Beans Salad⁵

If you are a corn lover, this black bean recipe will make you love corn more. If you want to add a smoky flavor to your corn salad, grill the corn instead of boiling them. This corn salad is perfect for block parties. You can prepare the ingredient the previous night and refrigerate the dress the salad right before serving.

Ingredients

• 3 cups corn
• 1 cup dehydrated black beans
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped (our use our dried red bell peppers)
• 1 avocado, chopped
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
• 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced, for garnish (or use our dried leeks)

Method

1. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and coated in dressing.
2. Garnish with your favorite herbs, if desired, and serve.

Chicken Soup⁶

This Mexican inspired zesty chicken taco soup is loaded with corn and black beans in a mildly spicy red broth. It is easy to make, and you can prepare it in advance. Your kids will love this.

Ingredients

• 24 oz. chicken breasts (boneless and skinless), cubed
• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 envelope taco seasoning
• 32 oz. V8 juice
• 16 oz. salsa
• 2 cups dehydrated black beans
• 10 oz. organic corn

Optional

• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Methods

1. Sauté the chicken in a nonstick skillet until cooked. Add water and taco seasoning. Simmer them uncovered until the chicken is well coated.
2. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Add the V8 juice, salsa, beans, and corn. Cover and cook on low heat for about 4 hours or until heated through. If desired, serve with optional toppings.

Black Bean and Corn Guacamole⁷

This combo is a must have in all the Mexican restaurants. The contrasting colors of the black beans and corn make fun additions to the guacamole black bean recipe.  For extra flavor, grill the corn first.

Ingredients

• 3 medium ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
• 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup dehydrated black beans
• 1/2 cup freeze dried corn
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

Directions

1. Rehydrate the dehydrated black beans and corn.
2. Mash avocados until almost smooth. Stir in lime juice and salt. Let it stand for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend. You can add more lime juice and salt if desired. Top with black beans and corn.

National Bean Day is a perfect excuse to cook your favorite black bean recipes. You can save your time and money preparing all your meals by using our pre-cooked and then dehydrated black beans.

Our dehydrated black beans give you the advantage of having black beans recipe anytime you want.  This means that you reduce the time required to sort, clean, and cook them in the pot all day. Just add some water, and in a few minutes, they are ready to serve!

Made these black beans recipes? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!

References

1. https://nationaltoday.com/national-bean-day/
2. https://cookieandkate.com/best-black-beans-recipe/
3. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/63113/best-black-beans/
4. https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a5658/black-bean-burgers-recipe/
5. https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a53685/fresh-corn-salad-recipe/
6. https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/mexican-inspired-chicken-soup/
7. https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/black-bean-and-corn-guacamole/

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