Caribbean Black Beans

Black beans with a Caribbean soul.

Onions and garlic get softened in olive oil with fresh ginger, thyme, and allspice until the kitchen smells like a spice market.

Then in go the beans and orange juice, simmering together until everything thickens into a rich, saucy pot of goodness.

Mashing a few beans against the side of the pan is the secret move here. It thickens the sauce naturally without adding anything extra.

Completely plant-based and packed with fiber and protein.

Kitchen Tips

• Use freshly grated ginger, not the jarred stuff. The heat and fragrance are in a completely different league.
• Don’t skip the orange juice. It sounds unusual, but it adds a citrusy brightness that lifts the earthy beans and warm spices.
• Mash just a handful of beans, not all of them. You want some texture left, with the mashed ones creating a creamy sauce around the whole ones.

Variations

• Serve over coconut rice for the full island experience.
• Add a diced scotch bonnet pepper with the onions for authentic Caribbean heat.
• Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top just before serving for an extra pop of acidity.