Black Beans from the Pot

Name: Black Beans from the Pot
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 80 min
Total time: 85 min
Ingredients: 1 pound dried black beans (rinsed); 1/2 white onion; A few sprigs of cilantro or epazote (optional); kosher or coarse sea salt (to taste)

Frijoles de Olla

Recipe Yield

5 cups, plus cooking liquid

Cooking time

1 hour 25 minutes

Rate this recipe

4.17 from 6 votes

Ingredients

1 pound dried black beans rinsed
1/2 white onion
A few sprigs of cilantro or epazote optional
kosher or coarse sea salt to taste

To Prepare

Place the beans in a big heavy pot and cover with enough water to cover the beans by at least 3-inches, about 12 cups of water. Incorporate the onion and bring to a rolling boil. You may also add cilantro or epazote. Let the beans simmer over medium heat, partially covered, for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the beans are soft and then add the salt. Don’t add the salt in the beginning, or it will toughen the beans.
Let them continue simmering for another couple minutes, or until the beans are so soft, they come apart if you hold one between your fingers, and the broth has thickened to a soupy consistency. If the beans are not yet soft and the broth is drying out, add more hot water. Remove the cooked onion and herbs with a slotted spoon before serving.

Comments

47comments inBlack Beans from the Pot

Pamela

Oct 09

How long should I soak the beans?

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Oct 12
  
  Hola Pamela! You don’t need to soak them the night before cooking. Yes, that helps to reduce the cooking time, but it is not necessary. If you do soak them, don’t soak them more than 12 to 14 hours, because they may begin to ferment. Enjoy!
  
KJ Ayvazian

Jun 05

Is epazote easy to grow in North America?

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Jun 08
  
  Epazote grows everywhere KJ, try in a pot by your window or in your backyard, have fun!
  
Nikki

Apr 20

I truly appreciate you sharing your recipes! I am no cook but following your recipes I am getting better and teaching my daughter

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Apr 27
  
  Awesome Nikki, practice makes perfect, have fun 😉
  
Julia

Jan 22

Dear Pati,
I’ve been watching your show for several years and finally got the courage to try a recipe. This is the first time I’ve cooked black beans and they came out perfectly! We had them with a slow roasted pork belly and garnished it with avocado. It was delicious. Thank you for sharing your recipes and your love of food and culture!

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Jan 23
  
  So happy to hear you got the courage, Julia! I know you can do many more recipes.
  
Deloris Banks

Aug 19

Please advise where to purchase Eparote.
Thanks

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Aug 20
  
  If you can’t find it at your regular market, you can usually find it at your local Latin/International market, Deloris. If you can’t find it, you can skip it or use cilantro.
  
Sarita Szajowitz,

Feb 28

Pati,es usted una exlente chef,,yo siempre le digo a miss Amigas y gente que mevpregunta de resetas de comida Mexicana ybmi respuesta es si ustedes no han visto el programs de Pati Jinich,see an perdidobde comer una comida autentica Mexicana,much as gracias porvdeoeitar nuestro paladar con Susana exelentes platillos,quisiera poder encontrar el platillos del pollo que usted isovcon Los Chile’s secosvque Los llerve yvdespues prepara la salsa ybse cocinena en el horno ojaka sepdevquevreseta hablo.cinceramenre Sarita

1. Pati
  
  Mar 01
  
  Uy mil gracias, Sarita! Aquí está la receta: https://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/garlic-and-cumin-rubbed-chicken/
  
Vince

Dec 21

I watched this episode and see that a clay pot was used, are there any benefits to cooking in clay pots, and it is placed right on the fire? The clay pots have interested me since seeing them used in Cancun, my local Mexican market have them and I been thinking about giving it a try. I also like the aesthetics and nostalgia of them.

1. Pati
  
  Dec 23
  
  Oh the clay pot imparts an earthy, deep flavor. Give it a try, Vince!
  
Meg McAlister

Jul 31

Pati – I finally found some dried epazote at the Mexican food store in our town so for dinner tonight, I’m making your black beans, Rodrigo style sea bass, arroz verde, and a green salad with mango/habanero/avacado dressing. For a condiment to the fish and rice, I’m going to serve Julio’s salsa recipe (tomatoes, tomatillos, mixed dried chilis, etc.) from your second cookbook which I made yesterday. YUM!!!

Question: Can I use Julio’s salsa as a marinade for fish or meat? Maybe by adding lime and orange juice to it? Or would it be best to use it as a condiment? I love the rich flavor.

1. Pati
  
  Aug 02
  
  Hm. I have not used his salsa as a marinade. But… there is no reason why it couldn’t work… if you do, let me know how it turned out!!
  
Gilberto

Jun 18

My wife left me and my son to fend for ourselves so I have to be like Mr Mom (the movie). Your recipes have helped me to prepare Mexican food like his mom makes it. Thank you and God bless you.
By the way, you have a beautiful family.

1. Pati
  
  Jun 18
  
  Oh have fun being Mr. Mom, Gilberto!
  
Mary King

Jan 06

I love Pati! I love her recipes. However, the thing about not salting beans at the beginning of cooking is a myth. http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/10/the-food-labs-top-6-food-myths.html

1. Pati
  
  Jan 14
  
  Hi Mary! Thank you. I have found that it is better to salt them once they soften and that they soften more if I salt near the end…. but of course we should all do what we find best in our own kitchens. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
  
  1. Buffy Miller, McMinnville, Oregon
    
    Mar 12
    
    I’m inclined to follow your directions Pati. First of all, you have cooked many more beans than I have. Secondly, I’ve read many recipes that say to salt toward the end. Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful recipes. Thank you for helping us gringos to cook wonderful Mexican dishes.
    
    1. Pati
      
      Mar 13
      
      Thank YOU Buffy!
      
Robyn Robinson

Jan 06

Pati..can you use dried cilantro or epazote..or do you use fresh?

Robyn Robinson

Jan 06

Pati..can you use dried cilantro or epazote..or do you use fresh?

1. Pati
  
  Jan 14
  
  If I have a choice, I use fresh. If I cant find fresh, I use dried (in about a third of the amount), it is much better than none…
  
Marleni Fueller

Feb 06

Dear PattiI would like to cook a nice,tasty Valentine’s dinner for my boyfriend, Reinaldo I was thinking some shrimp and steak what do recommend and for desert which flan do you recommend? He doesn’t know so he’s a big eater I need your help with a shrimp recipe that would go well with pasta I’m big on pasta please help me plan something nice. Thank you soon much.

1. Pati
  
  Feb 08
  
  Thus is what I recommend you make for your boyfriend 🙂
  https://patyhinich.com/2014/01/episode-307-sugar-for-hubby/
  
Kris

Feb 01

I finally found some epazote, can’t wait to use it 🙂

1. Pati
  
  Feb 01
  
  Hooray!
  
QueenSS

Jan 16

Patti, do you ever soak the beans for a few hours or overnight?

1. Pati
  
  Jan 30
  
  I used to, but not anymore. I realized there were not clear benefits except for the beans taking a bit less in cooking time…
  
Mike

Jan 02

I want to make some beans but I do not have black beans, only pintos. Will the recipe work using beans besides black? I love your book!

1. Pati
  
  Jan 05
  
  Sure! Mmmm pinto beans are my FAVORITE!
  
Becca

Sep 26

I just got and used epazote today to cook beans, I love the flavor the it gives the beans, what else can I use it for? I noticed someone asked about using dried, I could do that.

1. Pati
  
  Sep 28
  
  So many things! To flavor soups, rice dishes and stews. You can also add a leaf inside of a quesadilla!
  
Jamie

Sep 24

Would dried epazote work in this recipe?

1. Pati
  
  Sep 25
  
  Absolutely!
  
  1. Keith in Nashville.
    
    Aug 09
    
    Hola, Pati. I am going to try epazote leaves in my pot of black beans this week, but I am a little reluctant because of descriptions of its “stinky sweat” flavor/aroma description I’ve read online. Should I use just a small amount, then, to start? Would you ever make black beans without it? I am not a fan of cilantro, even, except on authentic tacos with diced onion, etc., so I’m not sure how to go. Thanks!
    
    1. Pati
      
      Aug 09
      
      You can always leave out the epazote no problem, Keith! And start with a small amount and see how you like it.
      
Amber

Sep 16

Patti, thank you so much for sharing your passion with us! I love your show and am very excited to attempt to make one of your meals! Yay thank you again! You are awesome

1. Pati
  
  Sep 20
  
  Thank you, Amber! I hope you like everything you try from my show and site.
  
Anne

Aug 02

So Fresh and Colorful, the way food should look and taste
Thanks for sharing it. Delicious.

1. Pati
  
  Aug 18
  
  Thank you!!
  
Marilyn W. Hoyt

Apr 04

I love the TV show! Please convey the message to Patti! I’m sure her boys love her cooking.

1. Pati
  
  Apr 04
  
  Marylin, Pati here! Thank you so much for watching the show. I can say that my boys love my cooking… most of the time, not always>>>
  
  1. Keith in Nashville (Hi!)
    
    Aug 08
    
    We love you so much, Pati! You, your husband, and your three wonderful boys!
    
    1. Pati
      
      Aug 08
      
      💙

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