Easy Black Beans

Name: Easy Black Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 pound Dried black beans, rinsed and picked over; 8 cloves Medium cloves garlic, peeled and smashed; 1 Yellow onion, peeled and halved with root end intact; 1 Fresh orange, rinsed and halved; Kosher salt, to taste

Recipe GLPRf8b8de3083ac2c

Side Dish

120 min

216 cal

Servings: 8

Stovetop

SNAP eligible

A simple, wholesome pot of tender black beans infused with garlic, onion, and a hint of citrus brightness. This no-fuss recipe requires minimal ingredients and hands-on time—just a long, gentle simmer to coax out rich, creamy flavor. Perfect as a side dish, base for grain bowls, or hearty addition to soups and stews.

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Ingredients

1 pound Dried black beans, rinsed and picked over

8 cloves Medium cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

1 Yellow onion, peeled and halved with root end intact

1 Fresh orange, rinsed and halved

Kosher salt, to taste

Directions

Rinse the dried black beans thoroughly under cold running water and spread them on a clean surface. Pick through them carefully to remove any small stones, shriveled beans, or debris. Discard any damaged beans.
Add the cleaned beans to a large pot and cover generously with cold water—the water should extend about 3 inches above the beans. Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately drain the beans in a colander and rinse well under cold water.
Return the rinsed beans to the pot and cover again with fresh cold water, maintaining the 3-inch depth above the beans.
Add the smashed garlic cloves, the onion halves (keeping the root end intact to hold the layers together), and the orange halves to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently, uncovered, for about 90–105 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beans are done when they are completely tender and break easily when pressed between your thumb and forefinger, but still hold their shape.
Remove and discard the onion halves and orange halves. The garlic cloves will have softened and mostly dissolved into the cooking liquid—no need to remove them.
Season the beans generously with kosher salt to taste, stirring well to distribute evenly. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4.5

This recipe hits the essentials for Charlotte grocers—all five ingredients are stocked year-round at any Harris Teeter, Food Lion, or Walmart without a second stop. At roughly 35–45 cents per serving (assuming dried beans; if canned, closer to 60 cents), it's genuinely cheap. The two-hour time is honest for dried beans from soak through finish, though the recipe should specify whether to start with soaked or dry beans. The dish is forgiving, reheats well, and serves a family without fuss—but the minimal ingredient list means it's plain and best as a side rather than a standalone meal.