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BLACK BEANS
COOK TIME:  20 minutes
surge@doubleincision.com

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back in 2020, when money was tight due to Pandemic, i cobbled this recipe together out of things i already had in the kitchen. but my husband likes it so much that it's become something of a staple food in our house :) this is also an excellent recipe to have on hand when you're feeling lazy or low-energy. 
because i improvised this recipe, i just kind of wing it from memory every time i make it, so i won't be specifying exact measurements for the ingredients below.

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{ INGREDIENTS }

- canned black beans, unsalted
- diced white onion
- minced garlic
- lemon juice
- hot sauce
    + use your preferred sauce! i think it tastes best with something a little vinegary, like Louisiana Hot Sauce.
- herbs and spices
    + my usual combo is chili powder, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper

{DIRECTIONS}

1. drain *most* of the water from the black beans, but leave about a third of the water in the can.

2. in a pot, lightly saute onions and garlic in a little bit of oil or butter, until fragrant and softened. 

3. reduce heat to low and add the beans. then, simply add lemon juice, hot sauce, and herbs/spices to taste, stirring in thoroughly. i prefer to make these beans a little tangy, so i add about a tablespoon of lemon juice, or more if i'm making a larger batch. go heavy on the herbs and spices-- you can never have too much, in my opinion ;)

4. increase heat to medium and bring the liquid in the pot to a gentle boil. once boiling, reduce heat back to low, cover pot, and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the liquid has reduced to the point that the beans can be stirred easily and still look moist, but they aren't sitting in liquid. if they look too dry, you can add a splash of water and cook a little longer.

// SERVING //
my favorite way to eat these is in a bowl with either plain white or tomato rice, tortilla chips, sour cream and shredded cheddar. splash some extra hot sauce on top, too. super filling and satisfying! they also go great with just regular old tortilla chips and salsa, or as a side dish to a bigger meal.