Island Black Beans

Island Black Beans are a flavorful and aromatic dish with a Caribbean twist. The combination of dark rum, brown sugar, and spices infuses the black beans with a distinct Caribbean flavor profile. These beans are versatile and pair well with pork or chicken dishes, adding a tropical flair to your meal. Prepared in a slow cooker, this recipe ensures that the black beans are tender and infused with the rich flavors of the spices and seasonings.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2¼ cups (563 g) dried black beans
• 7 cups (1.6 L) water, divided
• 3 cups (700 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• ½ cup (120 ml) dark rum
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (8 g) grated fresh ginger
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

PREPARATION:

1. Rinse the black beans and drain them.
2. In a 4-quart (3.8 L) stock pot, combine the beans and 6 cups (1.4 L) of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
3. Cover the pot and let the beans stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans.
4. In a slow cooker, combine the rinsed beans, remaining 1 cup (235 ml) of water, low-sodium chicken broth, chopped onion, dark rum, brown sugar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, dry mustard, cinnamon, black pepper, and ground cloves.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 11 to 12 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the beans are tender and infused with the flavors.

YIELD: 6 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 472 g water
• 167 calories (5% from fat, 21% from protein, 73% from carbs)
• 7 g protein
• 1 g total fat
• 0 g saturated fat
• 0 g monounsaturated fat
• 0 g polyunsaturated fat
• 23 g carbs
• 6 g fiber
• 6 g sugar
• 115 mg phosphorus
• 46 mg calcium
• 2 mg iron
• 82 mg sodium
• 342 mg potassium
• 8 IU vitamin A
• 0 mg ATE vitamin E
• 2 mg vitamin C
• 0 mg cholesterol

TIPS:

• Serve Island Black Beans as a side dish with grilled or roasted pork, chicken, or fish for a Caribbean-inspired meal.
• To enhance the flavor, consider adding additional spices such as cayenne pepper or allspice, according to your taste preferences.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the cooked beans with a fork or a potato masher before serving.
• Leftover Island Black Beans can be refrigerated and enjoyed as a filling for tacos or burritos, or as a topping for nachos or salads.
• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon. Add extra spices or herbs to enhance the flavor.
• Customize the recipe by adding diced bell peppers, jalapenos, or tomatoes for added texture and flavor.

Island Black Beans offer a delightful Caribbean twist to traditional black bean recipes. The addition of dark rum, brown sugar, and a blend of spices creates a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to impress. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can effortlessly prepare these beans, allowing them to simmer and absorb the aromatic flavors.

To start, rinse and drain the dried black beans before partially cooking them on the stovetop. This initial step helps reduce the overall cooking time and ensures the beans cook evenly. After simmering the beans, they are left to stand for an hour, allowing them to soak up any residual moisture.

Once the beans are ready, they are combined with low-sodium chicken broth, chopped onion, dark rum, brown sugar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, dry mustard, cinnamon, black pepper, and ground cloves in the slow cooker. The flavors meld together as the beans cook on low for 11 to 12 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours. The result is tender black beans infused with the essence of the Caribbean.

Island Black Beans are a versatile dish that can be served alongside various main courses. They pair exceptionally well with grilled or roasted pork, chicken, or fish, providing a contrasting and complementary flavor. The combination of sweet brown sugar, warm spices, and the subtle hint of rum creates a vibrant and enticing taste profile that elevates any meal.

These beans can also be enjoyed in vegetarian or vegan meals by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can further customize the recipe by adding diced bell peppers, jalapenos, or tomatoes to enhance the texture and add a touch of freshness.

Leftover Island Black Beans can be refrigerated and used in a variety of ways. They make a fantastic filling for tacos or burritos, adding a flavorful and protein-rich element. You can also use them as a topping for nachos, salads, or even as a base for a hearty bean soup.

In conclusion, Island Black Beans are a delicious and aromatic dish that brings a taste of the Caribbean to your table. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can effortlessly prepare these beans and enjoy their rich flavors. Whether served as a side dish or incorporated into other meals, Island Black Beans are sure to delight your taste buds with their Caribbean-inspired flair.