Are you craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful side dish or meal addition? Look no further! These Chipotle Lime Black Beans are bursting with smoky, zesty goodness and are surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a staple in our home, and I'm confident it will become a favorite in yours too. This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can transform into a delicious and healthy dish, making it an ideal addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It's also a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced (plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 1 large lime)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of your delicious dish.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed and drained black beans, undrained diced green chilies, minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a truly satisfying culinary experience.
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Adjust & Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips for the Best Chipotle Lime Black Beans:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper to your liking. Start with less and add more if you prefer a spicier dish. For a milder version, omit the chipotle altogether and use a pinch of cayenne pepper instead.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh lime juice makes a significant difference in flavor.
- Make it Ahead: These black beans taste even better the next day! Prepare them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Add a can of diced tomatoes and some vegetable broth to transform these black beans into a hearty vegetarian chili.
- Southwest Quinoa Bowl: Serve the black beans over quinoa with some grilled corn, avocado, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a complete and healthy meal.
- Taco Filling: Use these flavorful black beans as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 7-9 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 8-10 grams
This recipe is a fantastic example of how easy it is to create healthy meals from simple, everyday ingredients. Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, these Chipotle Lime Black Beans are sure to impress. Enjoy!