Description
Notes:
- Don’t be afraid to make these ahead of time, as they continue to develop more flavor as the beans sit in their cooking liquid.
- Kosher Salt: I always use Diamond Crystal brand; use half as much if using Morton or fine sea salt.
- Pepper flakes: if you like a little bit of spice, add the the chili flakes; if you don’t, omit or use less.
- To make these in the Instant Pot, into the Instant Pot add all of the ingredients listed below along with 6 cups of water. Start with 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Turn the valve to sealing. Set the IP to Manual, High Pressure, 30 minutes. Let it release naturally for at least 20 minutes. Uncover. Taste. Add more salt (I often add 1 to 2 more teaspoons of salt) to taste.
- Store beans in their cooking liquid. These containers are so handy for that purpose. They freeze well, too.
- I love these beans paired with this Sweet Potato Taco Filling.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dried black beans, no need to soak
- 1 half of a small onion, halved through the core to keep it intact
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 garlic clove, smashed and halved
- 2 to 4 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste, see notes above
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Place the beans, onion half, bay leaf, garlic, 2 to 3 teaspoons kosher salt (I always use 3), pepper flakes (start with 1/2 teaspoon if you are sensitive to heat), and olive oil (if using) into a slow cooker. Cover with 8 cups of water. Cover pot. Cook on high heat for 6 to 8 hours or until the beans are done, but start checking at the 4-hour mark — all slow cookers are different and times might vary, too, depending on the age of your beans.
- Taste. Add more salt to taste 1/2 teaspoon at a time. Note: The beans develop more flavor as they cool in their cooking liquid, which will continue to season them.
- Store the beans in their cooking liquid. I love these deli quart containers for this purpose. I freeze the beans in their cooking liquid in these quart containers as well.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Beans
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
