Cuimin scented black beans

Sometimes when I come home from cooking all day for clients, I am not thrilled about cooking lot’s of complicated things.  Some people are horrified when the find out that for dinner, I warmed up beans out of a can.  I think people can get over the fact that chefs also should be able to have the freedom to used canned items.  This one is no exception.  I always use the Iberia brand because it is not seasoned and the beans will be flavored with what ever seasonings I have on hand. I enjoy coming in pulling out the cans from the cupboard, chopping what I need to chop and then letting it simmer while I change into my evening shorts or sweat pants.  All in all no one complains when they eat these beans.  I scent them with cumin seeds and dried oregano.  If you eat beans like I do, you can make a big batch and then take what you need each night.  You can make a big batch on Sunday night and enjoy the beans until Wednesday.  This was a small party I had and all I needed to make was the salad and the Picadillo.  Simple, flavorful and delicious.  You can use other cans of beans just make sure that the ingredient list has nothing except for water and salt.  If it has garlic and onion powder etc…then it has been flavored for you, which is good as well.

2 15.5 oz cans unseasoned black beans such as Iberia

4 tablespoons of olive oil

2 tablespoons dried oregano

3 garlic cloves chopped

1 tablespoon of cumin seeds

2 tablespoons of soy sauce

Over medium-low  heat, place the cumin seeds and the olive oil in a sauce pan.  Cook for 2 minutes or until fragrant. add the oregano and the garlic and cook over low heat for 4 minutes.  Add the soy sauce and canned beans bring to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes.

You can top these or any black beans with the oven roasted tomatoes.  The acidity and color makes the dish even better!

Kitchen Notes:

• You can make a big batch of beans for a party 3-4 days ahead.
• If you don’t have cumin seeds you can use dried cumin about 1 tablespoon.
• You can also add one small chopped onion to the dish when you are adding the oregano and garlic.
• Because this dish has amino acids aka (soy sauce) the flavors will multiply as it sits in the refrigerator.

These are pictures of how you can use black beans.