Using black beans in cuisines around the world
Black beans are used in many culinary traditions from around the world. For example, they are often a mainstay of Mexican and other South American dishes. Since black beans are high in protein, too, you can add them to stews, casseroles and soups as part of a high-protein meal plan. One of the reasons that pulses, and black beans in particular, are used in cuisines around the globe is that they offer plenty of protein, making them a cost-effective alternative to meat and other protein sources. - Black beans in Korean cooking: In Korea, black bean recipes tend to call for fermented ones. This is the case with a popular dish named jjajangmyeon, for example, which is known for its rich umami flavour. A dish named kongjaban is also worth checking out due to its blend of sweet and savoury flavours. - Black beans in Mexican food: This vegetarian Mexican-inspired black bean recipe gives you the idea of how to use the ingredient in everyday cooking at home. Chipotle and chilli spice blend well with Mexican black beans, and it is often a favourite for Mexican side dishes, such as refried black beans. Black beans also work well with tacos, as this tukey-based recipe makes clear. - Black beans in Chinese dishes: Douchi, derived from fermented black soybeans, is popular in the Sichuan and Cantonese cooking traditions of China. The beans are typically paired with spare ribs or beef in Chinese cooking. In Chinese food, garlic and ginger tend to be added to black beans to draw out their flavour. These ingredients are often added to stir-fries, but this is by no means the only way they are used, given their versatility. - Black beans in Caribbean recipes: Black beans are used all over the Caribbean, sometimes added to rice and peas, a popular and hearty dish. Black bean soup contains oregano, bay leaves and cumin for spice, another go-to option for many Caribbean families. In Cuba, a dish named Moros y Cristianos is a particular favourite. It is a rice and black beans recipe that isn’t especially hard to replicate in home cooking.
