Black Beans And Cheese: Perfect Pairing Ideas

Black beans are a staple in Central and South American cuisine, as well as in the Southwestern US, the Caribbean, and Louisiana Cajun and Creole cuisines. They are a great source of fiber, protein, and folate, and can be purchased dried or canned. When it comes to deciding what cheese to pair with black beans, options include queso fresco, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, and cotija. For a vegan option, omit the cheese. Black beans and cheese can be used in a variety of dishes such as nachos, burritos, tacos, and salads.

Black beans and cheese as a side dish

Black beans and cheese is a delicious and simple side dish that can accompany a variety of meals. This combination is a great way to add flavour, texture, and nutritional value to your meal. Here is a guide to help you create this tasty treat.

Choosing the Right Cheese

When it comes to selecting a cheese to pair with black beans, there are several options that can enhance the flavour of this legume. Queso fresco, a popular Mexican cheese, is a common choice for topping black beans. It has a mild, fresh flavour and a creamy texture that complements the beans well. Other Mexican cheeses such as cotija or crumbled cotija can also be excellent choices, adding a salty and savoury note to the dish. If you're looking for a substitute for these Mexican cheeses, you can opt for feta cheese, which has a similar salty and tangy flavour profile. For those who prefer a sharper, more pungent flavour, grated cheddar cheese can be a good option to sprinkle on top of your black beans.

Preparing the Black Beans

There are two main types of black beans to choose from: canned or dried. Canned black beans are more convenient and faster to prepare, while dried black beans require soaking and a longer cooking time but offer a more flavourful and creamy result. If you opt for dried black beans, remember to sort and rinse them before use to remove any debris or discoloured beans. Soaking the beans overnight in water will help reduce cooking time and improve their digestibility.

Cooking the Beans

To cook the black beans, start by heating some olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add aromatics such as chopped onions, garlic, and spices like cumin to the pot and cook until the onions become translucent. Then, add the drained beans and enough water to cover them. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the beans until they are tender, which can take around 2-3 hours, depending on the type of beans and your desired texture. Remember to season the beans with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a creamier consistency, you can mash some of the beans with a potato masher after cooking.

Adding Cheese and Serving

Once your beans are cooked, it's time to add the cheese. If you're using a soft cheese like queso fresco or feta, simply crumble or chop the cheese and sprinkle it over the beans. For harder cheeses like cheddar, grated cheese works best. You can either mix the cheese into the beans or sprinkle it on top. If you want the cheese to melt, place the beans and cheese in an oven-safe dish and broil until melted and bubbly. Serve this side dish alongside tacos, enchiladas, rice bowls, or any southwest-inspired meal.

Customisation and Variations

Black beans and cheese can be customised to your taste preferences and dietary needs. For a vegan option, simply omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish. Chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, or chilli peppers can add a fresh and spicy kick to the beans. If you're looking for a heartier side dish, consider adding cooked rice to the beans and cheese to make a filling and flavourful combination.

Black beans and cheese with salsa

Black beans and salsa is a tasty, healthy, and gluten-free side dish that can be served with tacos, enchiladas, or any Southwestern-inspired meal. The beans are cooked with onions, garlic, and spices, and then topped with cheese and baked until melted. This dish is simple to make and can be easily customized to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

• Black beans (one 15-ounce can, rinsed and cooked)
• Salsa (1/2 cup of tomatillo salsa or salsa verde)
• Cheese (3/4 cup of Colby Jack or Pepper Jack)
• Rice (optional, cooked)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Start by cooking the salsa with the rice, if using, in a rice cooker or saucepan. You can also prepare the rice according to the instructions on the package and then mix it with the salsa.

In a separate pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened. You can also add some spices like cumin at this stage for extra flavor.

Next, add the undrained black beans, cilantro (if using), and salt to the pan. Stir well and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the beans to cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Now, it's time to assemble the dish. Place the rice and salsa mixture in a casserole dish. If you're not using rice, simply use a baking dish. Top the rice with the cooked black beans, and then sprinkle the cheese on top.

Finally, bake the dish in the oven at 500 degrees Fahrenheit or broil it until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

You can customize this dish by using different types of cheese, such as queso fresco or cotija cheese, which are commonly used in Mexican cuisine. You can also add some chopped green onions or fresh cilantro as a garnish.

Black beans and cheese with rice

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• Rice
• Black beans
• Cheese (Colby Jack or Pepper Jack)
• Tomatillo salsa or salsa verde

Instructions

• Cook the rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. You can cook it in a rice cooker or a saucepan. If you want to add extra flavor to your rice, consider cooking it with tomatillo salsa or salsa verde.
• Prepare the beans: Rinse and cook the black beans. You can use canned or dried black beans. If using dried beans, soak them in water overnight before cooking.
• Assemble the dish: In a casserole dish, layer the cooked rice, followed by the black beans.
• Add cheese: Generously sprinkle the Colby Jack or Pepper Jack cheese on top of the beans.
• Broil the dish: Place the casserole dish in the oven and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve: Enjoy your black beans and cheese with rice! You can serve it as a side dish or main course.

Tips and Variations

• You can also freeze the cooked rice and beans and assemble and broil the dish when you're ready to serve it.
• If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute quinoa for rice. Quinoa has fewer calories and more fiber than white rice.
• Feel free to add other ingredients to the dish, such as chopped onions, garlic, cilantro, and spices like cumin.
• For a gluten-free option, serve the black beans and cheese with rice in corn tortillas.

Black beans and cheese in a burrito

Black beans and cheese is a classic combination for a burrito. This protein-rich meal is not only delicious but also highly nutritious and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and suggestions for crafting the perfect black bean and cheese burrito.

Choosing the Right Cheese

When it comes to selecting cheese for your burrito, there are several options that pair well with black beans. Queso fresco is a popular choice, as it is a traditional Mexican cheese with a mild, tangy flavour that complements the earthiness of the black beans. Other options include cotija cheese, which has a salty, feta-like taste, or crumbled feta cheese itself. For those who prefer a sharper flavour, Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese can add a nice kick to the burrito. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try pepper Jack cheese for an added spicy kick.

Preparing the Black Beans

There are two main ways to prepare black beans for your burrito: whole or refried. Whole black beans are a quicker option, as you simply need to heat them up and add your desired seasonings. However, refried black beans offer a creamier texture and are less likely to spill out of your burrito. To make refried black beans, start by frying and mashing the cooked beans with seasonings like cumin, garlic, and onion. You can also add some chili powder or chipotle for an extra kick.

Assembling the Burrito

Now comes the fun part—assembling your burrito! Start by warming up a flour tortilla, which is typically larger and softer than corn tortillas, making it ideal for burritos. Spread your refried black beans or whole black beans generously onto the tortilla, leaving a border of about 2 inches around the edges. Sprinkle your chosen cheese on top of the beans, and feel free to add other ingredients like cooked rice, chopped onions, cilantro, or salsa for extra flavour and texture. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even add some cooked meat like chicken or beef.

Final Steps

Once you've added all your desired fillings, it's time to roll your burrito. Fold the sides of the tortilla inwards, then roll the tortilla from the bottom up, forming a tight cylinder. Make sure the fillings are secure and compact to prevent leakage. You can secure the burrito with toothpicks if needed. Finally, heat a skillet over medium heat and place your burrito seam-side down, cooking until the tortilla is lightly browned and crispy. Enjoy your black bean and cheese burrito!

Black beans and cheese in a taco

Tacos are a fun and versatile dish, and black beans and cheese is a classic combination. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating delicious black beans and cheese tacos:

Ingredients

For the tacos:

• Corn or flour tortillas
• Black beans, either canned or dried
• Cheese of your choice (more on this below)
• Optional: salsa, onions, cilantro, steak, or other desired toppings and fillings

Choosing the Right Cheese

When it comes to selecting a cheese to pair with black beans in your taco, there are several options that complement the beans' flavour and texture well. Here are some cheeses to consider:

• Queso fresco: This Mexican cheese is a common topping for black beans. It has a mild, fresh flavour and a crumbly texture.
• Cotija: Another Mexican cheese, Cotija is salty and tangy, with a dry and crumbly texture. It is often used as a topping or garnish.
• Colby Jack or Pepper Jack: These cheeses offer a blend of mild and tangy flavours and melt well, making them ideal for tacos.
• Queso blanco: A creamy, soft, and slightly tangy cheese that pairs well with black beans.

Preparing the Black Beans

If using canned black beans, simply rinse and drain them. If starting with dried black beans, they will need to be cooked before using. Here is a basic method for preparing dried black beans:

• Soak the beans in water overnight or use the quick-soak method by covering them with boiling water and letting them sit for an hour.
• Drain the beans and add them to a pot with fresh water.
• Bring the beans to a simmer and cook for 2-3 hours, or until tender.
• Add seasonings like cumin, garlic, and onion to the beans during cooking for extra flavour.

Assembling the Tacos

Once your beans are ready, it's time to assemble your tacos:

• Warm your tortillas in a pan or over a flame to make them more pliable.
• Place a scoop of black beans in the centre of each tortilla.
• Sprinkle your chosen cheese generously over the beans.
• Add any other desired toppings, such as salsa, chopped onions, cilantro, or steak.
• Fold the tortilla over the fillings and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

These black beans and cheese tacos can be served as a main course or as part of a larger Mexican-inspired feast. Here are some side dish ideas:

• Guacamole and chips
• Salsa and chips
• Mexican rice
• Salad
• Steamed vegetables
• Fruit

Enjoy your delicious black beans and cheese tacos!

Frequently asked questions