Kemps Black Beans Recipes

BLACK BEANS

Steps:

• For the beans: Place the beans in a bowl or pot, cover with cold water and allow to soak overnight. Drain and rinse before proceeding. (Alternatively, add the beans to a medium pot and cover with hot water. Bring to a boil, and then boil for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover the pot and allow the beans to sit for 1 hour. Drain the beans and rinse them with cold water before proceeding.)
• In a medium pot, add the soaked beans, chicken broth, 2 cups water, the garlic, onions and green, red and yellow bell peppers. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Then add the chile powder, cumin and salt and stir. Cover and continue simmering until the liquid level is to your liking, about another hour. Taste for seasoning and add more of what it needs.
• For the fixins: Serve in a bowl with sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges and diced bell peppers on the side.

KEMP'S BLACK BEANS

Steps:

• Bring black beans, onion, oil, water (8 cups), and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a 6- to 8-quart heavy pot, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until beans are tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours (depending on age of beans). Thin to desired consistency with additional water. Stir in Sherry and remaining teaspoon salt, then soy sauce and vinegar to taste (start with 1 tablespoon each), and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.

KEMP'S VEGETARIAN BLACK BEANS - 6-QT PRESSURE COOKER

Steps:

• PRESSURE COOKER.
• In a 6- to 8-quart pressure cooker, combine beans, onion, oil, water and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Seal pressure cooker with lid and cook at high pressure, according to manufacturer's directions, until beans are tender, 30-45 minutes.
• Remove from heat. Use quick release method favored by your manufacturer; Kemp says to put the pressure cooker in the sink (with lid still attached) and run cold water over the lid until pressure goes down completely. (Don't try the cold water method with an electric pressure cooker!)
• Chill uncovered until completely cooled, then chill, covered, up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months.
• NON-PRESSURE COOKING METHOD.
• In a 6- to 8-quart heavy pot, bring black beans, onion, oil, water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until beans are tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours (depending on age of beans).
• Chill uncovered until completely cooled, then chill, covered, up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months.
• REHEATING.
• When reheating the beans later, stir in Sherry, 1 teaspoon salt, then soy sauce and vinegar to taste (start with 1 tablespoon each). Thin with water if necessary. Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.

BLACK BEANS AND RICE YOUR WAY

Steps:

• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450°F.
• Toss sweet potatoes with oil and salt, then spread in 1 layer in a large shallow baking pan. Roast, stirring and turning over once or twice, until tender and browned, 35 to 40 minutes.
• Bring water, rice, and salt to a boil in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan, then reduce heat and cook, tightly covered, until rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Let stand, covered, off heat 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
• Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry 10- to 12-inch heavy skillet (not nonstick; preferably cast-iron) over moderate heat, stirring, until seeds are puffed and pale golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and stir in oil and salt to taste.
• Reheat black beans, thinning with water if necessary, then serve along with rice, sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds, and accompaniments, each in a separate bowl.

KEMP'S VEGETARIAN BLACK BEAN SOUP WITH SHERRY & LIME

Steps:

• Puree black beans in batches in a blender. (Use caution if beans are hot). Transfer the puréed beans to a 2 1/2 - 3-quart heavy saucepan.
• Stir in 1 cup water, Sherry, lime juice, and salt to taste. Thin the soup with additional water if necessary to desired consistency.
• Bring to a simmer over moderate heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.
• Note: Soup can be made ahead and chilled, uncovered, until completely cooled, then covered up to 5 days, or frozen 3 months. Reheat over low heat, thinning with water as necessary.