Have you ever made too many black beans and not known what to do with the leftovers?
You’re not alone.
This is a common problem, but don’t worry – I have some solutions for you to use up all those leftover black beans.
Keep reading to learn how to make black bean enchiladas, burritos, and more.
You’ll be glad you did.
Make some enchiladas
First and foremost, you can make some enchiladas with your leftovers.
All you need are some tortillas, cheese, salsa, and of course, your black beans.
To start, simply heat up the beans in a pan.
Once they’re warmed through, add them to the center of your tortilla, along with some cheese and salsa.
Roll up the tortillas and place them in a baking dish.
Cover with more salsa and cheese, then bake at 350 degrees until everything is hot and bubbly.
Use them to make burritos
Another great option is to use your beans to make burritos.
This is similar to making enchiladas, but you’ll want to add some rice to the mix as well.
Again, start by heating up the beans.
Once they’re warmed, add them to a tortilla along with some rice, cheese, and salsa.
Roll it up, then place it in a baking dish.
Cover with more salsa and cheese, then bake until hot and bubbly.
Make black bean soup
If you’re looking for something a little different, why not make a black bean soup? This is a great way to use up your leftovers, and it’s super easy to make.
Simply add your beans, some chicken broth, onion, garlic, and seasonings to a pot and let it all simmer together.
Once everything is cooked through, puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy.
Serve with some sour cream and cheese on top.
Cook them with rice
Cooking the leftovers with rice is another great way to use them up.
This makes a simple and flavorful side dish that goes well with just about anything.
To make it, add your black beans and rice to a pan with some onion, garlic, and seasonings.
Cook until the rice is tender, then serve.
Remember to add some extra water to the pan if needed – black beans tend to absorb a lot of liquid.
Black bean salad
If you crave some salads, don’t worry – you can still use your black beans.
Just make a black bean salad by adding your black beans, some chopped tomatoes, onion, avocado, and cilantro to a bowl.
Toss with a simple dressing of lime juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper.
This makes a great side dish or even a light meal on its own.
Bake them
Baking your leftovers is always a good idea, and these beans are no exception.
Simply spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes.
Once they’re crispy, add them to salads, tacos, burritos, or anything else you can think of.
Make a dish of quesadillas
Last but not least, you can always make a dish of quesadillas with your leftovers.
Simply add your black beans, cheese, and any other desired toppings to a tortilla.
Fold it over, then cook in a hot pan until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side.
Can you eat leftovers?
You can eat leftovers, but they may not be as delicious as when they were first cooked.
If you’re looking to save some money or time, then eating leftovers is a great option.
Just make sure to reheat them properly so they’re still safe to eat (source).
What to do with overcooked black beans?
There are a few things you can do with overcooked black beans.
One option is to add them to soups or stews.
Another is to mash them and use them as a spread or dip.
You can also puree them and add them to sauces or smoothies.
Finally, you can fry them up and use them as a topping for salads or other dishes.
Why black beans might be toxic?
Some experts believe that the toxins present in black beans may be harmful to humans and animals if consumed in large quantities.
It is advised to avoid consuming large quantities if you are concerned about potential toxicity.
One toxin is called phytohaemagglutinin, which is a type of lectin.
Lectins are a type of protein that can bind to cell membranes and cause cell damage.
They can also promote inflammation.
Phytohaemagglutinin is considered to be an antinutrient because it can interfere with the absorption of nutrients from food.
This means that consuming large quantities may lead to nutrient deficiencies (source).
Are black beans good for weight loss?
They can be a healthy and nutritious addition to any weight loss plan, as they are high in fiber and protein while low in calories.
They may help with weight loss by reducing appetite, improving digestion, and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
When combined with other healthy foods and physical activity, they can be an effective part of any weight loss plan (source).
Do canned black beans need to be cooked?
Canned black beans typically do not need to be cooked, though some brands may recommend simmering them for a few minutes to improve texture.
They can simply be drained and rinsed before use.
However, if you prefer, you can cook them on the stovetop or in the microwave (source).
Can you get food poisoning from black beans?
Yes, you can get food poisoning from black beans.
Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you think you have food poisoning from black beans, see a doctor right away.
How long do cooked black beans last in the fridge?
Cooked ones will last in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To extend their shelf life, cooked they can be frozen and stored for up to six months.
When reheating, be sure to bring them back to a boil to ensure they are properly cooked (source).
Can you reheat black beans twice?
You can certainly reheat black beans multiple times, but there may be a decrease in quality each time they are reheated.
Reheating black beans more than once may cause them to become dry, tough, or mushy.
If you plan on reheating black beans, it is best to do so within a day or two of cooking them.
How do you know if black beans have gone bad?
If the black beans have changed color or developed mold, they have gone bad and should not be eaten.
If the beans are simply old, they may not taste as good as fresh beans but they will still be safe to eat.
cook them thoroughly before eating (source).
Can you reheat black beans on the stove?
Yes, they can be reheated on the stove.
Place the beans in a pot or pan with a small amount of water or broth.
Heat the beans over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through.
You may need to add more liquid as the beans cook (source).
How long is black bean soup good for in the fridge?
You can store black bean soup in the fridge for up to four days.
What happens when you overcook black beans?
If you overcook black beans, they can become mushy and lose their shape.
The texture of the bean will also change, becoming softer and more fragile.
Overcooked they are still safe to eat, but they may not be as enjoyable.
How do you know if they are overcooked?
If you’re not sure whether they are overcooked, the best way to test them is by tasting a few beans.
If they’re too soft or mushy, then they’ve probably been overcooked.
On the other hand, if they’re still firm and have a bit of bite to them, then they’re probably just right.
Overcooked they can still be used in recipes, but they may not have as much flavor and texture.
How do you store opened black beans?
You can store opened black beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I freeze black beans?
You can freeze black beans, but they will be softer when thawed.
If you plan to use them in a dish where texture is important, it’s best to cook them before freezing.
Otherwise, they can be added straight from the freezer to soups and stews.
To freeze, simply place cooked beans in a freezer bag or container.
Label and date, then freeze for up to 6 months.
Conclusion
There you have it – some quick and easy ideas for what to do with your leftovers.
So next time you find yourself with a surplus put these ideas to good use and enjoy.
Thanks for reading.