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Qdoba Black Beans Recipe

Qdoba Black Beans Recipe

Emma Johnson
This Qdoba Black Beans Recipe combines black beans, cumin, garlic, and lime for a quick, savory side perfect for tacos and burrito bowls.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican-American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 140 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan or skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Can opener
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Small serving bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans 15 oz each black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Onion

  • Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes.
  • The onions should soften and turn slightly translucent.
  • You don’t want them deeply browned.
  • The first time I rushed this step, the onions stayed crunchy and tasted too sharp in the finished beans.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices

  • Add the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  • Cook for about 30 seconds while stirring.
  • The spices should smell warm and toasty.
  • Don’t walk away during this part because garlic burns fast.
  • I learned that the hard way.

Step 3: Add the Beans and Broth

  • Pour in the black beans and broth.
  • Stir everything together really well.
  • At first the mixture might seem a little watery, but it thickens while simmering.

Step 4: Simmer the Beans

  • Reduce the heat to low.
  • Let the beans simmer uncovered for about 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.
  • Some of the beans will naturally break apart a little, which actually helps create a creamier texture.
  • I usually mash a spoonful or two against the side of the pan to thicken things slightly.

Step 5: Finish with Lime and Cilantro

  • Turn off the heat.
  • Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro.
  • The lime brightens everything up at the end.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Sometimes I add another pinch of salt depending on the broth I used.

Step 6: Serve Warm

  • Serve the beans warm as a side dish or add them to burrito bowls, tacos, salads, or rice bowls.
  • The texture should be soft and creamy with a little broth still coating the beans.

Notes

  • Mash a few beans for creamier texture.
  • Use low-sodium broth for better salt control.
  • Fresh lime juice tastes better than bottled.
  • Let the beans sit for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Add extra broth if reheating leftovers.
  • Cilantro tastes freshest added at the end.
Keyword Qdoba Black Beans Recipe