Easy Coconut Black Beans
- PREP 5min
- COOK 2hrs
- TOTAL 2hrs 5min
These coconut black beans cannot get much easier. You just need a little bit of time. Throw everything into a large pot and simmer until the beans are tender. Using coconut milk for the liquid makes the beans extra creamy. They have a delicate coconut flavor, which is delicious when you squeeze fresh lime on top before serving. When choosing the coconut milk, make sure it is unsweetened. For the creamiest beans, use full-fat canned coconut milk. Reduced-fat canned or refrigerated coconut milk, often found near dairy milk, does work, but the beans will be slightly less creamy and rich.
You Will Need
2 cups dried black beans, picked through, rinsed (about 1 pound)
3 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
1/2 medium onion, peeled, left unchopped
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (14oz) can unsweetened coconut milk, about 1 3/4 cups
Water
Salt and ground black pepper
Handful fresh cilantro
1 lime
Optional toppings: tomatoes, avocado, and cojita cheese
Directions
Add black beans, garlic, onion, bay leaf, cumin, cinnamon, and coconut milk to a large pot. Cover the beans with 2 inches of water.
Bring to a boil, stir, and then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook uncovered until the beans are tender, 1 ½ to 2 hours. As they cook, stir the beans every once in a while and add extra water if they look dry.
Remove the onion, garlic, and bay leaf when the beans are tender. Taste and season with salt and pepper (start with 1/4 teaspoon and go from there).
Increase the heat to medium and bring to a rapid simmer. Simmer the beans, stirring often, until the liquid thickens, 5 to 10 minutes.
Serve with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Top with optional toppings.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Coconut milk: One 14-ounce can of coconut milk should be close to 1 ¾ cups. If you are slightly under, simply add additional water to make up the missing liquid.
- Storing: Store coconut black beans covered in the refrigerator up to 5 days and in the freezer up to one month.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.