Qdoba Black Beans Recipe
Qdoba black beans are a signature component of the restaurant's menu, known for their rich and tasty flavor that goes well with many dishes. What makes them so special is their unique mix of spices and seasonings that turn the beans from a simple ingredient into a tasty and flavorful part.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Measuring Cups
- spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- Black Beans: 2 cups approximately 1 pound dry beans or 2 cans, drained and rinsed
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 4 cloves minced
- Onion: 1 medium-sized finely chopped
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon adjust to taste
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable Broth: 2 cups or enough to cover the beans
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Beans
- First, if you’re using dry black beans, soak them overnight in a lot of water. This helps to soften the beans and makes them cook very fast. Once they’ve soaked, rinse them with fresh water and set them aside. If you’re using canned beans, just drain them and rinse well.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté them until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 3: Adding Spices
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, ground black pepper, and a bay leaf to the onion and garlic mixture. Let the spices cook for a minute or two to release their flavors, stirring frequently to prevent them from burning.
Step 4: Cooking the Beans
- Add your prepared black beans to the pot, followed by enough vegetable broth to cover them. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a slow boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about an hour if you’re using dry beans. For canned beans, it will take around 20 – 30 minutes.
Step 5: Seasoning with Lime Juice
- Once the beans are nice and tender, remove the bay leaf and mix in the lime juice. Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if necessary. The lime juice brightens the flavors and gives the beans a slight tanginess that complements the spices.
Step 6: Serving Suggestions
- Your Qdoba-style black beans are now ready to be enjoyed. They can be served in many ways—on rice, as a filling for tacos and burritos, or as a side dish. Their rich, tasty flavor makes them a flexible part of any meal.
Notes
Soaking dry beans overnight is highly recommended. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the quick soak method—Cover them with water in a large pot and simmer for 5 minutes, then let them sit for about an hour before rinsing.