Beer-Glazed Black Beans

Beer-Glazed Black Beans are a flavorful and versatile dish that showcases the delicious combination of black beans and beer. This quick and easy recipe offers a range of flavors, from lighter and fruitier with lagers and wheat beers to deeper and caramelized with porters and stouts. With the addition of aromatic spices and a touch of sweetness, these beans are a delicious side dish or can be used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: 20 minutes with cooked beans

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup beer
• 3 cups cooked or canned black beans, drained but still moist
• 1 tablespoon chili powder or ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
3. Pour in the beer and add the cooked or canned black beans to the skillet. Sprinkle with chili powder or ground cumin, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a steady bubble and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is slightly reduced and thickened.
5. Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve the beer-glazed black beans hot as a side dish or refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat when ready to serve.

VARIATIONS:

• Beer-Glazed Black Beans and Tomatoes: Add 1 cup of chopped tomatoes, fresh or canned, or 1 to 2 tablespoons of tomato paste in Step 1.
• Beer-Glazed Black Beans with Bacon: Cook 4 to 8 ounces of bacon until crisp, remove it from the skillet, and use the bacon fat to cook the onion. Stir in the cooked bacon at the last minute.
• Beer-Glazed Black Beans with Chipotle Paste: Add a dollop of Chipotle Paste in Step 1, along with the beans, to infuse the beans with a smoky and spicy flavor.

USES:

• Serve the Beer-Glazed Black Beans as a side dish with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or alongside Mexican-inspired dishes.
• Use the beans as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas, adding your favorite toppings and sauces.
• Incorporate the beer-glazed black beans into salads or grain bowls for a protein-packed and flavorful addition.
• Mash the beans and spread them on tortillas for a tasty vegetarian wrap.

Beer-Glazed Black Beans are a simple yet delicious dish that highlights the natural flavors of black beans and the richness of beer. With its versatility, this recipe allows you to explore different beer varieties and spice combinations to suit your taste preferences. Whether served as a side dish or used in various recipes, these beans provide a hearty and satisfying addition to any meal. Enjoy them with rice, as a filling for tacos, or as a flavorful component in salads and grain bowls. Experiment with the suggested variations to add even more depth and complexity to this tasty dish.