Elly’s World Famous Black Beans

By Caitie

Ingredients

• 2 tsp canola oil
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 fat clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 can (15 1/2 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 – 2/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 3/4 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Sliced scallions and/or chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Details

Adapted from ellysaysopa.com

Preparation

Step 1

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat, and add the canola oil. Once shimmering, cook the onion until translucent. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and bay leaf until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste has cooked off a bit, about 30-60 seconds.

Add the beans to the pan and using a wooden spatula, smash about half of the beans. Stir in the chicken broth (start with 1/2 cup and you can always add a little more if necessary), chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and most of the broth has been absorbed, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in lime juice and season to taste with salt and pepper as needed.

If desired, sprinkle with scallions and/or cilantro.